Welcome to the first episode of 25 Years, 25 Artists. The Ballarat Arts Foundation (BAF) is thrilled to present this series of podcasts where we delve into how BAF has helped emerging artists from the Ballarat community reach new heights and achieve their ambitions. In this episode, artistry meets evolution—and today’s guest takes that journey to a whole new octave.Tabitha Rickard speaks with Kara Ciezki: a force in the world of sound and performance whose journey began with the gentle tones of a recorder playing Bach and Vivaldi and has since exploded into a kaleidoscope of musical genres. From baroque concertos to edgy electronic soundscapes, Kara carved her own path with a unique style she calls "Smash-it-ups"—think mash-ups, but with sharper edges, more imagination and as many layers as a Russian honey cake.After dazzling crowds at piano bars with her anything-goes repertoire, Kara turned her gaze to the bigger picture: education. She’s here to share her insightful—and maybe slightly controversial—thoughts on why kids learn the recorder in primary school, and whether it’s a stepping stone or a stumbling block.With a performance degree from the University of Melbourne, a Master’s in Early Music from Boston, plus a portfolio stacked with competition wins, Kara’s career is backed by both brilliance and boldness. Her multidisciplinary talents include theatre and singing, and thanks to the pivotal support from BAF, she was able to amplify her artistry and push new boundaries in performance.So sit back, tune in, and prepare to be inspired by an artist who defies genre, reimagines tradition, and believes that music isn’t just something you play—it’s something you live.Let’s press play.

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