One of the best debut novels of 2024, inspired by true events, host Sarah Lonsdale talks to Harriet Constable about her historical fiction The Instrumentalist, which brings to light the story of Anna Maria della Pietà – orphan, musical prodigy and favourite student of Antonio Vivaldi. Set in 18th-century Venice this unforgettable novel tells the story of classical music as it has never been told before. For fans of The Queen’s Gambit and The Handmaid’s Tale.

The event will open with a short recital of Vivaldi.

Harriet Constable is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. Writing for The New York Times, The Economist and the BBC, her work has taken her all over the world. She grew up playing the flute, singing with her mother (a classically trained pianist and singer) and listening to classical music.

Photo © Sophie Davidson