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Lyn Dillies
Master illusionist Lyn Dillies has mesmerized audiences throughout the
United States and Canada for more than twenty years. The mystery and grace
of her wizardry seem effortless. In her Magic at the Symphony program,
Ms. Dillies brings together some of the most breathtaking illusions in
the world of magic in perfect choreography with the beauty and drama of
expressive symphonic classics, creating a truly unique entertainment experience.
“I want audiences everywhere, especially children, to discover the
magic of classical music, as well as the harmony of illusions.”
Chronicled frequently by television appearances,
Lyn has shared the stage with such notable entertainers as Marvin Hamlisch,
Crystal Gayle, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. One of the proudest moments of
Lyn’s career was when she became the first illusionist in magic
history to make two live Asian elephants appear in succession. The event
was held outdoors in front of a live audience for the grand opening of
the Buttonwood Park Zoo in her hometown of New Bedford, Massachusetts.
It took eight months to prepare for this incredible spectacle and required
more than 5,000 square feet of fabric, 300 feet of truss, two cases of
red seedless grapes (the pachyderms’ favorite treat) and a little
sleight of trunk! The Society of American Magicians deemed this illusion
such an unprecedented event that documentation has been included in the
organization’s national archives.
Lyn’s heritage is anchored by magic
and music. Her great-grandfather, Thomas Wyatt, was an amateur magician
and member of the New Bedford (MA) Magic Wand Club, an organization she
was to join in her early teens. Lyn inherited her deep appreciation of
classical music from her grandfather, Kenneth Park, a professional violinist
and music director of the New Bedford public school system. He also taught
private lessons and, much to his delight, granddaughter Lyn was an eager
and talented violin student. Today, Lyn recalls the pride she felt watching
her grandfather play first violin under the baton of Arthur Fiedler, the
legendary conductor of the Boston Pops. But the most cherished memories
of her grandfather are the times they played duets. “Every Christmas
Eve, he and I would play carols on our violins for the rest of the family.”
While Lyn’s parents are not performers,
each has gotten into the act by supporting her career. In the early days,
mom Loretta acted as booking agent and wardrobe manager, while father
Calvin built her first illusion. They also shared chauffeur duties. “I
never would have made it without them,” she says of her two most
ardent fans. “My family and friends are the real magic in my life.”
Lyn Dillies may have traded her violin for
a magic wand, but she has continued to cherish great music from the masters.
It is with sheer artistry that this master of illusion blends the worlds
she loves to bring audiences an unforgettable appreciation for the majesty
of classical music.
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elebrate the music with this magical program featuring the Magic of Lyn. Children delight in the program’s eye-defying illusions, astonishing feats, fast pace – all to popular symphony classics. Children are encouraged to attend the cookies and juice reception immediately following the concert to meet the musicians and learn about the instruments.
