To mark the “A Symphonic Tribute to Michael Jackson” concert series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Elisabeth “Lisi” Fuchs, Principal Conductor of the Salzburg Philharmonic. Together, we discussed her musical career, what music means to her, and how the idea for this musical tribute to Michael Jackson came about.

Elisabeth “Lisi” Fuchs is bursting with energy, and not just at the conductor’s podium. As founder and chief conductor of the Philharmonie Salzburg, she has not only built up an orchestra over the last 25 years, but has created an entire musical universe: including a choir and a children’s and youth philharmonic. “We have a total of around 400 participants, ranging from the youngest children to professional musicians,” says Fuchs, her voice brimming with pride.

This passion has been a constant thread running through her career. “I’ve actually always played music. Music has been part of my life since I was very young.” But the decisive moment came when she was 16. During a performance of the St Matthew Passion conducted by Franz Welser-Möst in London, she experienced the emotional power that music can unleash. “It was so moving; whilst I was singing the chorale, Welser-Möst and I looked at each other and we both had tears in our eyes,” recalls Fuchs. “I was simply spellbound. Wow, that’s music; that’s what music can do; that’s another dimension.” And so the realisation dawned: music can be more than just sound; it can connect, shake us to the core, and transform us.

At the time, the idea that she herself would one day become a conductor seemed a distant prospect. Today, that is exactly what her life is all about. And she describes it with remarkable clarity: “I couldn’t imagine anything better.”

Structure, timing, organisation

Another fascinating aspect is the way she combines her music studies with her mathematics studies. What might sound unusual at first is, for Fuchs, a perfect symbiosis. “When conducting, whilst simultaneously grasping complex scores and leading a large ensemble, this combination really pays off,” explains the conductor. “When I’m making music, I’m making music. There’s nothing but emotion.” But at the same time, her inner clock is ticking away in the background: structure, timing, organisation.

Yet, despite her professionalism, one thing is always at the forefront for Elisabeth Fuchs: her love of music. “I’m never nervous when I’m conducting,” says Fuchs. “I go on stage and I’m just happy.” Working with young people is particularly important to her. Through projects such as the Children’s Festival, she creates spaces where music can be experienced first-hand. Because: “Children are the most honest audience of all. If something isn’t working, you notice it straight away, but when it works, pure musical magic happens.”

“A Symphonic Tribute to Michael Jackson” is the title of her next major musical event. For Fuchs, this is the logical culmination of a long-standing development. Having previously staged programmes featuring ABBA, Queen and The Beatles, she is now turning her attention to the “King of Pop”. This comes with the highest of standards.

“I love emotion, energy and rhythm”

“I love emotion, energy and rhythm, and Michael Jackson: he’s just amazing,” she says with a laugh. For her, it’s clear: this music belongs on the big stage. Together with the internationally renowned Michael Jackson impersonators Jamaal Fields-Green and Benét Monteiro, the dance crew from London’s “The Tellers Dance Company” and her large Salzburg orchestra, Fuchs aims to bring Jackson’s songs to life in a whole new way. “It’s going to be brilliant. Anyone who doesn’t come will be missing out,” she announces confidently. Her enthusiasm is truly infectious.

For Elisabeth Fuchs, Salzburg is unique. She appreciates its unrivalled cultural richness. Between the Untersberg, the Old Town and the festival theatres, a space is created that inspires. “There’s so much music in the air here in Salzburg,” she says. “You step outside and think: everything is just right here.”

Elisabeth Fuchs embodies this very spirit: straddling the line between classical and pop, structure and emotion, discipline and ecstasy. Or, in her own words: “I love music. I’m staying here. I really like it.”
Interview and text: Sebastian Brandstätter. All photos in this article: Erika Mayer

Tickets for “A Symphonic Tribute to Michael Jackson” are available on the website of the Salzburg Philharmonic.