Vivaldi

Venice: early 1700's. Antonio Vivaldi is a rising star in the music world. He's a brilliant composer and consummate performer. An ordained priest, known for his mane of flowing red hair, he is called "Il Prete Rosso," the Red priest. But Vivaldi's mind was focused more on music than delivering mass. The church, not quite knowing what to do with him, makes him musical director of a girls' orphanage. The girls are the progeny of local aristocrats and their prostitutes. They have no last names and not much of a future. They are given basic musical training and give concerts to raise money for the orphanage. With the arrival of Vivaldi things change almost from day one. Vivaldi inspires and nurtures the girls with his passion for music. He becomes devoted to them and they to him. In time, against incredible odds, he turns the girls into a world-class orchestra which plays the great concert halls of Venice and, ultimately for the Pope. Their concerts are full to overflowing. —Anonymous