Interview
When and where was your first concert with the MCO?
My first concert with the MCO was in San Sebastián, Spain in 2019 as Stage Manager. It was one of my very first tours being responsible for stage and logistics of an orchestra of that size. The concert morning was free, so we went for an early swim in the sea and played a very beautiful concert in the evening.
The first piece of music you fell in love with:
Bach Weihnachtsoratorium. Later, Clearing, Dawn, Dance by Judd Greenstein.
What do you need to feel at home whilst on tour?
Feeling the motivation and energy from the orchestra, bathing oil in case the hotel room has a bath tub (nothing is better than a late-night bath after a long day on tour), and every other day an hour just for myself.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Balancing the complexity of topics and people’s interests involved – but that’s also the beauty of it! I see myself as a transmitter and mediator of information who can understand and relate to any possible scenario. It can be difficult to not forget in the end what we’re doing this for: creating wonderful concerts and memories.
What is your most memorable moment with the orchestra?
Probably my most memorable moment with the orchestra can be described by the feeling I've had ever since first working for MCO. Not only was I impressed by the excellent work and tremendously high artistic standard of the orchestra, but I was also welcomed to the group as their friend and with inherent trust in me and my work. This for sure I will never forget.
Biography
Growing up in a musical family, Lilly spent most of her time playing the Oboe and Recorder in youth orchestras and local ensembles. After graduating from high school she volunteered at the Deutscher Musikrat for the Bundesjugendorchester. This experience led her discover the magic of being behind the stage and coordinating all aspects that lead to a successful performance. She studied Art and Cultural Management in Karlsruhe and Mexico, simultaneously honing her skills and experience working for festivals such as Beethovenfest Bonn, PODIUM Festival Esslingen and Moers Festival.
Lilly later worked with backlight! Konzert- und Tourneemanagement where she coordinated tours, projects and festivals with partners such as Ensemble Resonanz, Freiburger Barockorchester, MusicAeterna, PODIUM Esslingen, The Knights (New York), MIAGI (South Africa) or the Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin. Lilly joined the MCO team full time in 2021.