'Gloria: Lifting the Veil on Vivaldi's Masterpiece': Choral Concert May 4 & 5

As Melodia Women's Choir of New York City prepares to sing Vivaldi's soaring masterpiece, we look at the history and stories behind the original creation in 1715 with Barbara Quick, who is the author of the novel 'Vivaldi's Virgins' (Harper). Unknown to many who sing it today, Vivaldi wrote Gloria for the all-female voices at the Ospedale della Pieta orphanage and music school, where he was a teacher. On May 4 and 5 in New York, Melodia sings it as it was originally intended, interwoven with dramatic texts telling the story of women at the time. In this podcast, Melodia's Artistic Director Cynthia Powell joins in conversation with author Barbara Quick about what life was like at the Ospedale. As Melodia's Executive Director Jennifer Clarke describes, Quick's book is a key reference point for the writer and director of the interwoven text, Pam McAllister and Christa Scott-Reed, respectively, in creating this uniquely riveting new performance piece. 'Gloria: Lifting the Veil on Vivaldi's Masterpiece' will be performed by Melodia May 4 at 7:30 pm and May 5 at 4 pm at Holy Apostles Church, 296 Ninth Avenue at 28th Street, NYC. Tickets: www.melodiawomenschoir.org