Lara Carter
Where were you born?
I was born in Edinburgh and it had been snowing so Arthur’s Seat was covered with a delicate white layer.
Do you come from a musical family?
Both grandparents were musical: the Scottish one used to play piano accordion for the dances and the other was a pianist studying at the Royal Academy
(which I later attended).
My parents surrounded us with classical music and I have fond memories of dancing around the living room to 'The Sound of Music' LP! I also listened to a lot of Dinu Lapati.
When did you start playing yourself?
I loved playing the piano to relax; but only when I was on my sixth teacher did I actually start working! I remember coming second in a competition beaten by only one point by Kevin Pritchard (I'm always teasing him about it)!
After securing three 'A' levels (German/English/art) I studied at the Royal Academy of Music; getting an LRAM teaching diploma for both violin and piano. This meant I didn't have to do a final recital to qualify for my honours degree (phew less work).
What did you do after this?
I tried (but didn't succeed) to do a post- grad in Germany. I speak fairly fluent German having spent a term at school in Bochum when I was fourteen. So I stayed here doing the orchestral course at Goldsmiths; which included memorable moments with stars such as Menuhin and Rozhdestvensky. As I was the leader for a good majority of the year and sat at the back of the. seconds for the rest, this period increased my awareness of orchestral playing and its pitfalls!
What do you do in your spare time?
Since joining the orchestra I have enjoyed walking in the Dorset countryside and along it's wonderful coastline. I have also spent time travelling both for leisure and also volunteer work. On one memorable occasion I built a lay-by in Poland!
Recent excursions to Egypt and Peru have given me a valuable insight into other cultures. It makes me aware of the fact that whether it's an up bow or a down bow is insignificant; we orchestral musicians are not in a life and death situation (although it can feel like that with an over-zealous conductor)!
