Lara Lynn Cottrill-Nelson, soprano

December 2009	Dear Family and Friends, I pray you had a very Merry Christmas!  Although the Jubilation Series didn't have a Christmas concert this year, it was exciting all the same...it was my first Christmas as a wife!  Since the last newsletter, I have been to South Africa, performed 3 concerts and one opera, got married, and now look forward to an eventful new year.   Let me reflect a moment on South Africa...what struck me most was that is was a country of contrasts.  These natural contrasts, created by God, were exceptionally beautiful- contrasting mountians with ocean, different peoples and cultures.  But what burdens the heart are the man-made contrasts- mansions to shacks, unfair wages and government systems.  South Africa, I believe, is in an upswing.  With strong hearts, like the people I met, can make a difference.  They realize you can't leave everything to government, although there is much improvement there as well.  Keep these soldiers for Christ in your prayers...no one can change hearts, only Christ.  Belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Lara
May 2009	Dear Friends, What a year! Last summer I travelled to Italy to study and perform for two months.  When I returned, I began teaching private voice lessons at Geneva College while performing with Pittsburgh Opera Chorus and Opera Theater of Pittsburgh.  Last month, I was a winner of the Pittsburgh Concert Society Competition and will have a winner's concert on November 15th, 2009 at 2pm.  In June I am travelling to South Africa for a musical mission trip.  What an answer to prayer! I have had a heart for missions but didn't know where I could fit in...then this opportunity arose.  I will be performing opera, musical theater, sacred, and contemporary Christian music in the Garden Route of South Africa.  Keep this trip in your prayers as we attempt to bring attention to newly planted churches in the area and give personal testimonies.  Then later in the summer, I will be Adina in Undercroft Opera's production of The Elixir of Love, August 6-9, 2009.  Life is never dull! In Christ's love, Lara
April 2008	Dear Friends,   Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your support has been outstanding since I have moved back home.  The Jubilation Concert Series was a smashing success due to your attendance and support.  In fact, we have a special event already happening on the 20th of this month! Thanks everyone!   I thought because I was out of school it would be a less eventful year.  Was I wrong! The Lord provided many opportunites to sing locally and in the Pittsburgh area.  I have met wonderful and talented friends and reconnected with past friendships.  The Lord continues to lead me in His ways.   I hope you like the snazzy new look of this site.  Sign the guestbook and give me your feedback.   Thanks again for all of your support!   In Christ's love, Lara
August 2007	Dear Friends, A new chapter has begun. Now that I am finished with school, I have different adventures in store. First Presbyterian Church is hosting the Jubilation Concert Series in which Emily Gedman and I are the featured artists.  I will be teaching private voice lessons at the church as well.  This fall I will be singing with Pittsburgh Opera Chorus in their production of the Elixir of Love by Donizetti. I am excited to be back in Beaver and singing for my hometown once again! In Christ's love, Lara
May 2007	Dear Friends, Another graduation quickly approaches!  I can hardly believe I will be a "master" of music.  These past 2 years have flown past.  They held much learning, growing, along with growing pains, and the joys of success.  Musically, I have made unmeasurable progress and spiritually I have become a new woman.  My faith has become a real, exciting, and alive part of my life.  The Lord has moved in my life in so many new ways.  I look forward to a Spirit filled future with many opportunites to use the gifts and education He has given me. In Christ's love, Lara
November 2005	Dear Friends, As always, thank you for your undying support.  This has been a semester of hard work and dreams come true!  I finally am feeling more at home here at Eastman.  My professors and peers could not be more wonderful, supportive, and encouraging.  I think my singing has improved leaps and bounds.  As for dreams come true, I have met extraordinary people whom I am honored to call friends.  Also, after much hard work, I was fortunate enough to see the fruits of my labor when I won first prize in the Friends of Eastman Competition.  This semester has truly been wild!   I am looking forward to a month' of rest, but I am sure I will be ready to dive in again when January rolls around! I wish you all the Merriest Christmas. God Bless! Lara
May 2005	Dear Friends, Thank you for your support through my years of undergraduate studies at the University of Miami.  I have made my decision!  I am going to attend Eastman School of Music for my master's degree in Rochester, NY.  I look forward to the challenge, but not the cold weather!  I hope you all have had a wonderful year and I will keep you updated on my progression and performances.   In Christ's love, Lara Lynn Cottrill