| Biography | Bihlmaier was born in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. Her parents sang in a church choir, and she learned the recorder as a youth. She later studied piano and violin. She continued piano studies at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, from which she graduated in 2003.
Bihlmaier studied conducting with Scott Sandmeier at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, and earned a conducting diploma in 2006.
In the UK, Bihlmaier first guest-conducted the BBC Philharmonic in February 2022. Bihlmaier returned to the BBC Philharmonic for three subsequent guest-conducting appearances, including her debut at The Proms in July 2023. In August 2024, the BBC Philharmonic announced the appointment of Bihlmaier as its next principal guest conductor, the first female conductor ever to be named to the post, effective in September 2024, with an initial contract of three seasons. Bihlmaier first guest-conducted at Glyndebourne Festival Opera in August 2024. On 29 August 2024, Bihlmaier conducted Georges Bizet's Carmen at the BBC Proms, the first female conductor ever to conduct the annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera Prom. |