Gabriela Lara considers the CSO Fellowship a ‘life-changing’ experience

In September 2022, violinist Gabriela Lara began her tenure as the first CSO Fellow, following her successful audition for the newly created role. Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Lara graduated in 2022 with a bachelor of music degree in violin performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where she was a student of Almita Vamos. She is also the recipient of a 2022 Project Inclusion Fellowship from the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, the second-place winner in the 2021 Sphinx Solo Competition and the winner of the 2021 Frank Preuss International Violin Competition.

The CSO Fellowship Program launched in the 2022/23 Season and is the latest initiative that assists early-career musicians from all backgrounds that have a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion as they seek a career in classical-music performance. CSO Fellows rehearse and perform in a major symphony orchestra setting, work with top conductors and receive training and mentorship from CSO musicians. In this interview, Lara reflects on her experience of the program thus far.

Could you speak about your early musical training in Venezuela and how it shaped you as a musician?

My early musical training in Venezuela was very special to me. I grew up in El Sistema. Since a young age, I was already playing in an orchestra; this is what really created my love for it. At the same time, I had the privilege of having incredible violin teachers. In Venezuela, musicians have this hunger to be the best, but at the same time, you become family. I think that is what shaped me most as a musician. I found and grew up with a family that ultimately made me the best version I can be, so far.

What drew you to Chicago for your undergraduate studies?

Definitely my violin teacher, Almita Vamos. Before I decided to come to the United States, I spent a lot of time thinking about it because the opportunities in my country and my lifestyle of the moment were not optimal, and there wasn’t much room for improvement. My teacher at the time told me about Mrs. Vamos; since then, I knew I had to study with her, and I don’t regret the decision at all. Like many of her students, I see her not only as my teacher but also my family.

Why did you decide to apply for the CSO Fellowship program?

I mean, do I really need to answer this question? This opportunity is like no other. You get to play with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on a daily basis, have one-on-one experiences with each of the members, learn from them, meet guest conductors, play with incredible soloists — should I keep going?

Are there any stand-out memories from your first few months as a CSO Fellow?

I have enjoyed every day that I have been at Symphony Center. I would say one of the most stand-out memories is the first rehearsal with Maestro Muti. He is such an incredible person and conductor. The environment and the orchestra that day were perfect. That is when I said, “This is what I want!”

What do you hope to take away from your over-all experience as a CSO Fellow?

I am trying to be like a sponge and absorb everything I see around me. I love the CSO sound, and I am always looking to get that. Since the first week, my view and feeling on how to play in an orchestra changed. I’m already getting a lot out of it.

What advice would you give to other musicians who might be interested in the CSO Fellowship?

Do it! Just do it, don’t think about it. This is an opportunity and experience that you are not going to get anywhere else. Really life-changing.