Vivaldi, Venice and violins: all three are celebrated in Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, a compelling mystery story about an orphan girl in the early 1700s who is in search of her roots. A central clue to the mystery is a missing Stradivarius violin that the Duke of Cremona has brought to Vivaldi’s school of the Pieta in the hopes of finding his long lost grandchild. You’ll have to watch the story unfold to learn its conclusion!

Venice of the sixteenth century was a wondrous place, (the Disneyland of its day) and this captivating production recreates its ambiance for today’s young people. Few children can resist the idea of a city where streets are made of water and boats are part of everyday life.

Audiences will enjoy more than twenty-five excerpts from Vivaldi’s most popular and important works, including the Four Seasons, the Violin Concerto in A minor, and the Guitar Concerto. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors solve a mystery built around the historic context of the composer’s real life and his school of the Pieta. This exciting concert and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. This program is recommended for audiences age six and up.

Synopsis

This is the story of Katarina, a young violinist who is sent to study music at the great Pieta orphanage in seventeenth century Venice. There, she comes under the tutelage of the famous music director and composer Antonio Vivaldi and, aided by the colorful gondolier Giovanni, searches the thrilling but mysterious atmosphere of Carnival and the Island of the Dead for clues to her past and a vanishing Stradivarius violin. Along the way, she comes to understand Vivaldi, his music and his reasons for staying at the orphanage despite his international fame. A touching climactic scene unites Katarina with her Grandfather and together they take Vivaldi’s music – “its spirit and soul” – out into the world.

“All silent now, the magic spell is told, all silent now, our mystery tale unfolds…”

The original audio recording of Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery claims dozens of top music, educational, and parenting awards. Based on this highly acclaimed recording, the Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery theatrical symphony concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Antonio Vivaldi in a live performance venue.

Watch & Listen

Audio

Video

Music Excerpts

  • Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major
  • String Concerto
  • Spring, Mvmt. I
  • Piccolo Concerto
  • Autumn, Mvmt. I
  • Guitar Sonata
  • Concerto in A Minor
  • Winter, Mvmt. II
  • Guitar Concerto, Mvmt. II
  • Caldara Song
  • Guitar Concerto, Mvmt. III
  • Flute fragment from Il Gardelino
  • Double Violin Sonata
  • Trumpet Concert, Mvmt. I
  • Concerto Con Molti
  • Violin Concerto in A Minor, Mvmt. II
  • La Notte, Mvmt. I
  • Summer, Mvmt. III
  • Autumn, Mvmt. II
  • Winter Fragment
  • Summer, Mvmt. III
  • Il Gardelino, Mvmt. II
  • Caldara Song
  • Violin Sonata in F Major
  • Piccolo Concerto, Mvmt. I
  • Trumpet Concerto, Mvmt. III
  • Double Orchestra Concerto
  • Alla Rustica

Instrumentation

String count: soloviolin.6.6.5.4.4
2[1.2pic].0.0.0-0.2d.0.0-gui-hpd+org[=synth]-str

The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we sill ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.

A conductor’s score, complete with full score and dialogue cues, musician parts, and a reference script is sent at least 3 weeks in advance of the concert.

Strings

  • Principal Violin (1 stand)
  • Violin I  (6 stands)
  • Violin II (6 stands)
  • Viola (5 stands)
  • Cello (4 stands)
  • Bass (4 stands)

Woodwinds

  • Flute I  (1 stand)
  • Flute-Piccolo (1 stand)

Brass

  • Trumpet I (1 stands)
  • Trumpet II (1 stand)

Percussion

  • Guitar (1 stand)
  • Harpsichord/Synth (1 stands)
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