Meet NYCA singer Lily Coats (SA)

Tell us about your musical background…I started learning piano when I was five, which was how I successfully got into the Marryatville High School music program. I studied cello for four years here whilst singing in choirs and playing in ensembles. After high school, I started my BMus at the Elder Conservatorium as a Classical Voice student. I decided after a year that I missed writing music, so I transferred to Composition instead. I currently sing in the Elder Con chorale as well as weekly services at Christ Church North Adelaide.

Why are you coming back to NYCA? I love being challenged as a musician, and I found that I was constantly pushing myself to improve as I was amongst such high-caliber choral musicians. It was such a fun environment, and everyone was incredibly supportive of each other.

Favourite NYCA memory? Singing Paul Stanhope’s Agnus Dei at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane. A beautiful piece to sing in a beautiful space.

 What makes NYCA different? The atmosphere is incredible. When you spend a week basically living with people who love choir as much as you do, you form really strong connections. By the end of the week, you’ve become such a tight-knit group that you just don’t want to go home!

 What do you do when you’re not singing with NYCA? I study! I’m in my fourth year of my BA/BMus double degree. I also sing in choirs around Adelaide and teach piano, singing and music theory.

 What I’m most looking forward to most about the 2018 season is… Meeting new faces and singing some gorgeous repertoire!

What’s coming up for you next? After NYCA I will be taking up my first ever position as a choir conductor. I'm very excited to start this aspect of my career!