Lara Wickes is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself in the world of music. Born on May 15, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, Lara grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a pianist, and her mother was a violinist. From a young age, Lara was exposed to classical music and was encouraged to pursue a career in music. Lara began playing the flute at the age of eight and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She started taking lessons with renowned flutist James Walker, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Lara continued her studies at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she received a full scholarship. After completing her studies at the Colburn School, Lara went on to attend the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied with renowned flutist Carol Wincenc. During her time at Juilliard, Lara won several awards, including the prestigious William Schuman Prize for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music. After graduating from Juilliard, Lara began her professional career as a flutist. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent and was invited to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One of Lara's most memorable performances was her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2010. She performed Mozart's Flute Concerto in G Major, which was met with critical acclaim. The New York Times praised her performance, saying, "Ms. Wickes played with a warm, rich tone and a fluid technique that made the music sing." In addition to her performances with orchestras, Lara is also an accomplished chamber musician. She has performed with some of the world's leading chamber ensembles, including the Emerson String Quartet and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Lara has also made several recordings throughout her career. Her debut album, "Flute Sonatas," was released in 2012 and featured works by Bach, Handel, and Telemann. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. In addition to her performing career, Lara is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at several prestigious music schools, including the Juilliard School and the Colburn School. She is currently a professor of flute at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Throughout her career, Lara has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to the William Schuman Prize, she has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. She was also named a MacArthur Fellow in 2016, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the arts. In conclusion, Lara Wickes is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She continues to inspire and educate future generations of musicians through her teaching and performances.

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