Music events depend on careful planning behind the scenes. Someone must select repertoire, coordinate performers and shape a programme that holds an audience from start to finish. This work often goes unnoticed by listeners, yet it determines whether a concert feels coherent or disjointed. Festivals in particular add pressure, since they run across multiple days and often mix genres, historical periods and performer backgrounds within a single event. Strong programming requires knowledge of repertoire, working relationships with musicians and an understanding of how audiences respond to sequencing. Without this groundwork, even talented performers can struggle to reach their audience effectively.

Iris Lichtinger works with Festival Managers for Music Events, bringing together early music, contemporary composition, jazz and improvised music in programmes that connect these traditions rather than treating them as separate categories. Her work spans performance, artistic direction and curation, giving her a practical understanding of how a programme comes together from both the stage and the planning table. This experience supports festival planning where varied repertoire, particularly historical and contemporary works, needs to be presented in a coherent and engaging way.

Her projects bring together musicians from different backgrounds, including early music specialists, contemporary performers and improvisers, within programmes built around a clear artistic idea rather than a fixed genre. This has included collaborations with ensembles and soloists across several countries, along with world premieres of newly composed works. She has also held teaching positions at university level, working directly with musicians on interpretation and ensemble practice. Her programming often draws connections between periods that are rarely paired, giving audiences a way into repertoire that might otherwise feel unfamiliar or difficult to approach.

Iris Lichtinger still composes musical programs, juxtaposing historical and modern repertoire, so that the audience can experience different musical eras within a larger artistic context. Her work includes projects that explore connections between early music, contemporary composition and other musical traditions, with performances presented across different cultural and festival settings. Through her work as a musician, curator and artistic director, she contributes to programmes that encourage audiences to discover music from different periods and perspectives. Those interested in learning more about her artistic work, current projects and upcoming performances can find further information on her website at https://irislichtinger.com/.