This talk by Peter Marks, will briefly explore the life of Vivaldi with some musical illustrations including the composer’s time at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice - a convent, orphanage, and music school. Peter, who has lead Wigtownshire U3A’s Music Appreciation Group for the past ten years, will explore what he sees as the previous neglect of Vivaldi, despite his having been one of the principle composers of the Italian Baroque. His presentation will show his influence on other composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, and how he was one of the first exponents of the concerto, as well as giving examples of his liturgical and operatic music. Peter’s talk aims to destroy the myth of Vivaldi having written the same concerto 600 times, and demonstrate his range and style of music.