Dear Lara

Dear Lara is a deeply personal documentary exposing decades of sexual abuse and institutional complicity in the world of classical music. When acclaimed violinist Lara St. John goes public about the sexual assault she endured at age 14 at the prestigious Curtis Institute, she is flooded with stories from fellow survivors. Determined not to stay silent, Lara travels across North America and Europe to meet others who, like her, were failed by the institutions they trusted. The film reveals a global pattern of harm rooted in power, silence, and the protection of reputation over justice. Each screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion with Anne Midgette, writer and critic of music, opera and the visual arts and Patrick Hamm, producer of the documentary. This event is sponsor by Local 77-274 and brought to you by the Free Library's Social Science & History Department.