© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

For 35 years, an elite music school attempted to bury abuse of a student

Ways To Subscribe
Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

World-renowned violinist Lara St. John spent decades trying to hold Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music accountable for the sexual abuse she faced as a student. After 35 years, an investigation found her accusation credible.

St. John will visit Iowa State this weekend for a guest performance and to tell her story at the 2023 Symphony of Diversity. On this Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with St. John and the Iowa State Symphonic Orchestra conductor and creator of the Symphony of Diversity event Jonathan Govias.

Later, Nebbe speaks with Jeff Fleming, who is retiring from his role as the director of the Des Moines Art Center. He has been with the center since 1999.

Guests:

  • Jonathan Govias, Iowa State University Symphonic Orchestra conductor
  • Jeff Fleming, director of the Des Moines Art Center
Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.