Antonio Vivaldi

Venice, Italy | 1678-1741

The young ginger-haired Antonio Vivaldi was driven by two things: his music and faith vocation. Growing up as a virtuoso violinist, Vivaldi’s career combined both his love of music and religious values. After going into the priesthood, Vivaldi was appointed musician-in-residence at an orphan school for girls. This job posting led to him writing many violin concertos and string chamber compositions premiered by the girls living at the school. Known for his “bright and cheerful” (Kids Corner, n.d.) compositional style, Vivaldi wrote over 500 virtuosic concertos—mostly for the violin.

Source: Great Canadian Orchestra Field Trip, Episode 2 Learner's Companion