Lilli Lehmann by International Mozarteum Foundation SalzburgThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Elisabeth Maria Lehmann
Born in Würzburg in 1848, Lilli Lehmann came from a middle-class family of artists. Her mother trained her and her sister as singers.
Internationally recognized and celebrated opera singer
On October 20, 1865, at the Deutsches Landestheater in Prague, Lili Lehmann made her debut as the "first boy" in Mozart's Magic Flute. Performances followed this engagement in Gdansk, Leipzig, and at the Berlin Court Opera.
Lilli Lehmann, Wagner and Mozart
At the request of Richard Wagner, she took on the roles of Woglinde, Helmwige, and the voice of the forest bird in the premiere of the "Ring des Nibelungen" (1876). In addition to Wagner, she was also passionate about W. A. Mozart. She intensively studied Mozart's works.
Model of the Mozarteum-Building by Richard BerndlThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Without Lilli Lehmann, there would be no House for Mozart
She was considered a driving force when constructing a "House for Mozart", today's Mozarteum Foundation. In 1909, a competition was held for the construction of the "Mozart House", which was won by architect Richard Berndl.
Lilli Lehmann by International Mozarteum Foundation SalzburgThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Lilli Lehmann and Mozarts Birthplace
Only through benefit concerts, collections and donations were it possible in the middle of the First World War to acquire Mozart's birthplace and make it accessible to the public as a memorial.
Lilli Lehmann by International Mozarteum Foundation SalzburgThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
1916 Lilli Lehmann founded the Salzburg Singing Courses
Which led to the creation of the International Summer Academy of Mozarteum University. She not only gave master classes at the Mozarteum but was also instrumental in introducing the Salzburg Mozart Festival.
Lilli Lehman, portrayed as Donna Anna by International Mozarteum Foundation SalzburgThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
She was the first honorary citizen of the city of Salzburg
The internationally famous opera singer was made the first honorary citizen of the city of Salzburg in 1920 for her services. Without her, there would perhaps be no Summer Festival, no Mozart House, no Mozart's Birthplace, and perhaps there would be no Summer Academy.
Lilli Lehmann in traditional costume, a cow at her side. by International Mozarteum Foundation SalzburgThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Power Women
"Das Beste ist nur immer gut genug für jedes Publikum, sobald es sich um die Kunst handelt. [...] ist es ungebildet, so muss man es mit dem Besten bekannt machen, es das Beste verstehen lassen.“ Lilli Lehmann
Nadine Kröpfl, Digital Marketing Specialist