Paris-based American violinist Augusta McKay Lodge makes her Australian debut as Guest Director in an intimate program dedicated to Venetian orphanage virtuoso Anna Maria della Pietà. With ABO Artistic Director Paul Dyer on harpsichord, the program explores Baroque chamber works, revealing a rare portrait of this overlooked multi-instrumentalist who inspired music written by her teacher Vivaldi and other European composers.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

In this intimate and poetic program, acclaimed Paris-based violinist Augusta McKay Lodge makes her Australian debut as soloist and Guest Director, shining a light on one of Baroque music’s most fascinating and overlooked figures — Anna Maria della Pietà.

A virtuoso who lived and performed at the Venetian orphanage where Vivaldi taught, Anna Maria inspired some of his finest and most demanding works. But she was more than just Vivaldi’s student. Celebrated in her time, Anna Maria played multiple instruments with extraordinary skill and had music written specifically for her by composers across Europe.

Led with elegance and insight by Augusta McKay Lodge, this refined program offers a rare glimpse into the sound world of Anna Maria. Through solo and chamber works full of nuance and colour, we hear the brilliance of a woman whose legacy is felt but rarely named.