Kara Thorpe is currently in the third year of her Bachelor of Flute Performance degree at Sydney Conservatorium, studying with Emma Sholl (Associate Principal Flute/Sydney Symphony Orchestra). 

Originally from Tasmania, Kara began her musical journey on the piano when she was five, and later started learning flute. Kara was awarded her AMusA on piano in 2017, and her AMusA on flute in 2018 under the tutelage of Douglas Mackie. 

Kara’s orchestral journey began in the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra, where she was principal flute of the flagship orchestra from 2016 – 2019. Kara’s recent orchestral experience includes Australian Youth Orchestra programs, Sydney Conservatorium Orchestra and the Sydney Concert Orchestra.

Following her soloist debut at age 14 with the Derwent Symphony Orchestra, Kara has since performed as soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the TSO Rising Star competition in 2023. Kara was also the recipient of the 2023 TSO AVIVA Scholarship.  

Kara has won major awards as a solo and chamber performer at the Sydney and Hobart Eisteddfods and has been an invited performer at Tasmanian Government House, Federation Concert Hall, and the Hobart Town Hall. 

Kara is looking forward to playing with SYO in their 2024 program!