Dear Lara is a 2026 documentary film written and directed by violinist Lara St. John on the subject of sexual abuse at classical music conservatories and symphony orchestras.[1][2] It premiered as an entry at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2026.[3]
Synopsis
Narrated by St. John, the film describes her own experience of having been raped as a minor by her instructor at the Curtis Institute of Music and then introduces the stories of additional victims of abuse from other institutions in North America and Europe.[4] Each of the accounts addresses the institutional complicity that has made it extremely difficult to implement lasting cultural change at any of the institutions in question.[5] Interviewees include survivors and subject matter experts.
Reception
The film was praised by multiple sources following its premiere. Originally scheduled for three screenings at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, a fourth was added due to audience demand.[6] Reviewer Jackie Spafford described it as “an infuriating, queasy, shocking, inspiring and powerful watch.”[7] Richardine Bartee called it “one of the most urgent and emotionally devastating documentaries of the year.”[8] Peter Wilson, on Violinist.com, called it “a beautiful film about horrifying events.”[9]
Interviewees
- Lusiana Lukman, pianist
- Frank Powdermaker, fiancée of cellist Robie Brown
- Lisamarie Vanna, violinist
- Mascha van Sloten, violinist
- Heather Bird, double bassist
- Zeneba Bowers, violinist
- Katherine Needleman, oboist
- Samuel Schultz, opera singer
- Scott St. John, violinist
- Anne Midgette, journalist
- Sammy Sussman, journalist
- Okke Westdorp, conservatory administrator
- Marci Hamilton, founder of ChildUSA
References
- ^ “Documentary by violinist Lara St. John to premiere at Santa Barbara Festival”. The Strad. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
- ^ “Lara St. John is exposing sexual abuse in classical music with a new doc”. CBC Arts. 7 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
- ^ “Santa Barbara Film Festival reveals full lineup, with honors for Kate Hudson and a special tribute to Julian Schnabel”. Gold Derby. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
- ^ “Lara St. John had her own story about sexual abuse in classical music”. The Philadelphia Inquirer. 26 October 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
- ^ “Santa Barbara Film Festival to Premiere Lara St. John’s Documentary on Sexual Abuse in Classical Music”. The Violin Channel. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ “Violinist— And Now Filmmaker — Lara St. John Talks About Dear Lara”. Ludwig Van. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026.
- ^ “Film Review: Dear Lara”. Edhat. 17 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ^ “‘Dear Lara’ premieres at SBIFF, exposing sexual abuse and institutional silence in the Classical Music world”. Grungecake. 9 February 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026.
- ^ “A Beautiful Film About Horrifying Events: Lara St. John’s Documentary ‘Dear Lara’“. Violinist. 6 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.