A French-American soprano based in Boston, Lily brings a fresh take on variété française, interpreting the music of Zaz, Françoise Hardy, Carla Bruni, and more with elegance and soul. Equally at home on opera stages and in relaxed cabaret settings, she brings a vibrant and modern voice to the classics of French chanson.
Before she takes the stage alongside Musette Suzette for two intimate concerts inspired by the bal des pompiers, Lily shares her thoughts on honesty, opera, steak frites—and her beloved pug, Momo.
Who are your favorite writers (or lyricists)? Barbara, Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel and Francis Cabrel – all great poets.
Who are your heroes in real life? My father.
Which talent would you most like to have? I’d love to be able to sight read any piece of music or memorize words really quickly in any language. There are so many beautiful songs in different languages and sometimes the biggest barrier to learning them is pronouncing and memorizing all the words.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I’m proud of the recital series I created because they allowed me to create an even playing field and a space for both people who know and love opera as well as those who don’t know it at all, to experience it together.
What i
s your most treasured possession?
My little black pug named Momo.
Where would you most like to live? I would love to live in a beautiful, spacious apartment filled with light in the heart of Paris and a view on Notre Dame.
How would you like to die? Going to bed and falling asleep at an old age, after eating steak frites and drinking a glass of champagne with my husband!
Join us and Lily on Sunday, July 13 for Bastille Day 2025, a festive evening of French music, delicious hors d’œuvres from La Voile, French wine and bubbles, and a joyful celebration for all ages. With live performances, raffle prizes, a craft table for kids, and free admission for children under 12, this event brings the spirit of a Parisian bal musette to the heart of Boston.
Sophie Schlenker
Cultural Programs Manager
Sophie is originally from Montpellier and holds a Maîtrise from Sorbonne Université. After moving to New York, she began her career at the French Cultural Services and went on to work as a literary agent, selling books on both sides of the Atlantic. She also worked in licensing for MTV Networks and in events logistics for the European Union delegation to the UN. Having also lived in California and Switzerland, she is excited to explore Boston’s unique blend of history and innovation while contributing to its lively cultural community.
