Meet Ella: the classically trained singer who manages our Berlin office
“Working at IDAGIO, I really feel like I’m making a difference for the future of classical music, which of course will directly affect me as a performer.”
After living in New Zealand for most of her life, where she trained as a classical singer, Ella now manages our Berlin office. Ella joined IDAGIO in October 2016 and is tasked with making sure everything in the office is running smoothly, which, given the growing number of our team — we are now 46 people — isn’t always an easy task.
1. You’re a classically trained soprano! What made you decide to join IDAGIO?
Well, a singer has got to earn money somehow! No, to be serious, I still have a way to go with my training before I become a fully fledged singer. I moved to from New Zealand to Berlin about a year ago and started working at IDAGIO, which has been the perfect way for me to earn a living, improve my German language skills and still getting be involved in the music industry.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
Haha, what don’t I do?! My job is a rather mixed bag. I am the Office Administrator for IDAGIO, which means supplying the staff here with snacks to fuel their creativity and taking care of various admin tasks. I am also our main Customer Service person, and spend a good chunk of the day replying to customer queries and helping users get the most out of IDAGIO. I also help out in various other departments, such as Accounting and HR. I’m very rarely bored, that’s for sure!
3. What do you like most about IDAGIO?
I really love being part of a team that is super passionate about classical music. Working at IDAGIO, I really feel like I’m making a difference for the future of classical music, which of course will directly affect me as a performer.
4. Which parts of your job do you find most challenging?
Probably balancing all of the tasks on my plate. I’m always extremely busy — but that’s working in a start-up! Another challenge is communicating with customers via email and the phone in German. My language skills have improved a lot in the last year, but my German is by no means perfect (yet).
5. What is your biggest learning?
I would have to say that the biggest learning is realising how much I am capable of. I’ve repeatedly been thrown into situations where I was out of my depth but each time I’ve found a way to overcome the challenges. 🏋
6. What do you do in your spare time?
When I’m not working or singing, I like to read books and knit — although I’m still working out how to do them simultaneously. ;)
7.Where can we hear you sing? Any upcoming gigs?
I just accepted a place in the Schola programme of the Rundfunkchor Berlin for November. As for solo gigs, you can keep up to date through my website or my Facebook artist page. I also sing regularly with the Univocale Kammerchor Berlin.
