Violinist Lara St. John addresses widespread sexual abuse in classical music in Philadelphia and beyond in her new project, “Dear Lara.”
In the realm of classical music, the recent documentary “Dear Lara,” helmed by renowned violinist Lara St. John, sheds light on a pervasive and troubling issue: the sexual abuse of students by influential figures within music education. St. John, whose own harrowing experiences at the Curtis Institute of Music propelled her to confront this pressing matter, utilizes the haunting composition of Franz Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” as a thematic backdrop to her film.
The documentary explores the troubling narrative of young girls whose aspirations in classical music were marred by the predatory behaviors of their mentors. St. John’s journey began with her disclosures in 2019, when she publicly alleged that her violin instructor, Jascha Brodsky, had sexually assaulted her when she was just 14 years old. Brodsky, a revered teacher who passed away in 1997, has had similar allegations emerge from other students posthumously, creating a scandal that has reverberated across the classical music community.
In “Dear Lara,” St. John interviews not only herself but also eight other survivors of abuse, each recounting their painful encounters with male authority figures. The film depicts an unsettling pattern where these young women, eager to learn from esteemed musicians, became victims of exploitation. Students were often threatened with academic repercussions to ensure their silence, illustrating a systemic failure within institutions that failed to protect their most vulnerable members.
Following St. John’s revelations, numerous women from the classical music world reached out to share their own experiences of abuse, highlighting a culture of complicity and silence that has persisted for generations. Their stories, featured in the documentary, paint a bleak picture of how the aspirations of talented young musicians can be shattered, with some life-altering consequences; instances of mental health struggles and even suicide have ensued among survivors.
The documentary premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival earlier this year and is set to screen at the Free Library of Philadelphia on October 5. It arrives amid a broader societal reckoning concerning women’s safety in educational environments and the institutional protections that shield perpetrators.
With a determined focus on advocating for survivors, St. John’s film compels audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about sexual abuse in the classical music industry. She hopes “Dear Lara” will spark discussions and encourage action amongst viewers, particularly in advocating for legislative reforms that better protect victims of childhood abuse.
The documentary’s meticulous intertwining of personal narratives with expert commentary reveals the urgent need for cultural and structural change within music education. St. John’s efforts exemplify a commitment to dismantling the entrenched patriarchy that has long plagued this esteemed field. As she continues her advocacy work, St. John aspires to establish a foundation that provides support for survivors seeking justice against their abusers and the institutions that failed them.
“Dear Lara” stands as a poignant testament to the resilience of survivors and a compelling call to action for a more accountable and compassionate music community.
