Where Are

Lara commenced Loreto Toorak in Year 5, supported by a music scholarship. Lara achieved significant milestones, attaining her AmusA and LmusA diplomas, earned second place in the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition (Youth), performed in the Australian Youth Orchestra, and became a VCE Top Class performer. As her schooling drew to a close, Lara felt a strong inclination to pursue higher education in the field of music, firmly believing it to be the path that lay ahead for her.

Whilst at university, Lara was the inaugural recipient of the Monash University David Li Music Scholarship, and, under the guidance of Dr Elizabeth Sellars, Lara graduated with a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) from the Melbourne Conservatorium in 2022. During her time there, she led the Baroque Ensemble, received the Corinna D’Hage Mayer String Scholarship for Excellence, and participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Ray Chen, Satu Vänksä and the Australian String Quartet.

In the final years of her undergraduate studies, Lara developed a growing fascination for early music traditions and historically informed performance, aligning harmoniously with her passion for 17th and 18th century history. Encouraged by university staff, she applied for a Graduate Diploma in Historical Performance at The Juilliard School in New York City, and is thrilled to have been admitted into the program, which involves a full-tuition scholarship. Lara is now preparing to embark on this exciting new experience, scheduled to commence in August 2023.

Lara gratefully acknowledges the profound impact of her time at Loreto Toorak on her current success. Her technique and musicality were meticulously cultivated by Jane-Marie Stuart and the supportive staff members. Such attention created a nurturing environment that not only bolstered Lara’s confidence but also ignited her ambition, and paved the way for all that lies ahead.