Canada honours outspoken violinist
mainThe Order of Canada has been bestowed on the violinist Lara St.John, who may now place the letters CM after her name.
Lara’s courageous openness about the sexual abuse she experienced at the Curtis Institute led to an extensive investigation, an apology and a promise of reforms.
Also honoured with the CH is the pianist Christina Petrowska Quilicoand the late pianist Marietta Orlov.
Also Roger Dubois, from Canimex, that has been tremendously generous with classical musicians in Québec. Canimex, among others, sponsors a string quartet, multiple stipends and studentships, several fine string instruments for the OSM principals (except concertmaster Andrew Wan, whose violin is lent by David Sela), and bought the Octobass for the orchestra.
The word “generous” is often used or abused, but in Mr. Dubois’ case it is most appropriate. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times and I truly enjoyed his very spontaneous endeavor to offer his help to contribute to the success of any project that would promote classical music in any shape or form. A million thanks, Sir.
The citation for Lara St John reads: “For pushing the boundaries of classical interpretation as a solo violinist and for supporting diversity in the arts.” Not for exposing sexual abuse at Curtis. More misleading clickbait copy.
As important as it was for her to put this out there and hold Curtis to account, is this award really for her career? Where had she been? I hadn’t considered her a superstar or anything.
She seems to have a very active and interesting career: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_St._John.
(To be honest I wasn’t aware of her either.) I don’t think super-star status is required to be a Member of the Order of Canada (CM). It is awarded for “an exceptional contribution to Canada or Canadians at a local or regional level, group, field or activity”.
I have several of her recordings. She’s a pretty great violinist, IMHVHO.
(In particular: the Bach D minor Partita/ C major Sonata from the mid-90s — gathered notoriety for its cover photo, but the playing is phenomenal. Stands comparison with anybody’s. https://www.amazon.com/Bach-Violin-Lara-St-John/dp/B000003Y32/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Lara+St.+John&qid=1606701273&s=music&sr=1-5#customerReviews …Not to be confused with her later also-excellent-but-different recording of the complete Sonatas & Partitas)
I’ve always considered her a superstar. She is an incredible violinist. But of course, she’s just…a girl, so she’s worthless, right?
A very fine violinist, whose album covers I remember, but not Curtis stories. There was strange collaboration with Magnus Fiennes (brother of the actor, I think). I liked the earlier work better…