Cappella Dell'Ospedale Della Pieta

Historic Venetian Orphanage Orchestra and Choir

The Cappella dell'Ospedale della Pietà is not an artist, composer, or band, but rather refers to the music ensemble associated with the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage in Venice that became famous for its all-female music ensemble in the 18th century. The most notable figure associated with this institution is Antonio Vivaldi, who worked there as a violin master and composer for several periods between 1703 and 1740. Vivaldi wrote many of his concertos, cantatas, and sacred music for the girls at the Ospedale della Pietà, who were known for their musical talent. The institution's ensemble was highly regarded in its time and performed behind screens to maintain the anonymity of the performers due to their status as orphans and wards of the church. While there are modern recordings and ensembles that pay homage to the music of the Ospedale della Pietà by performing works composed by Vivaldi during his tenure there, it is important to distinguish these from the historical entity of the 18th century.