We are delighted to host Harriet with her first novel at Helmsley’s first Literary Festival.
We are convinced The Instrumentalist, her account of the life of Anna Maria della Pietà, will be a massive success. Born around 1696, Anna Maria’s surname came from Ospedale della Pietà, the orphanage run by nuns where she spent her whole life until her death in 1782. She was taught the violin by the school music director, Antonio Vivaldi, who wrote many of his compositions for her, and the novel explores this master-pupil relationship in depth.
The event will feature pieces played by violinist, Nina Kumin.