The two "V" cities, Vienna and Venice, were the musical capitals of 18^th-century Europe. While Venice flourished in the first half of the century with Baroque masters such as Vivaldi, Corelli, Albinoni, Marcello, and the two Scarlattis (father and son), Vienna came to life in the second half, with three Viennese Classical-style masters: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

The Venetian prodigal son Vivaldi, although he spent most of his short life in his native city of Venice, moved to Vienna (where he eventually died), creating an interesting bridge between the two cities.  Later, conversely, the quintessential Viennese composer Mozart visited Venice several  times, performing and studying the art of its illustrious masters, who  influenced him greatly, particularly in his Italian operas!

Venice had been much earlier in developing a huge tradition of fine music, beginning in the Renaissance period and through such titans as Monteverdi and Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli. This was centered around the famous St. Mark's Basilica, where the above three were organists and choirmasters at one time or another.

Because most Renaissance music in Venice was sacred, it was logical that it was based in St. Mark's. Later, in the Baroque period, when instrumental music became more predominant, the "center of operations" shifted from St. Mark's to the Doge's palace, where Sunday afternoon "auditions" with the Doge and members of his family, as well as local VIPs, became famous.

In addition to the Doge, the archbishop of Venice, Cardinal Ottoboni, a staunch admirer and supporter of the local musical establishment, became a recognized force and inspiration for Venetian composers, particularly Corelli and Albinoni.

Vivaldi flourished at the "Ospedale della Pietà," the famous orphanage for girls (strange environment, isn't it?), while Marcello and the Scarlattis were more or less on their own-well-off, yet not much part of the Doge's and Ottoboni's world.

The Serata Veneziana (Venetian Evening) concerts of the Camerata Ama Deus (October 29 and 30) try to recreate in style, music, and atmosphere precisely that: a night at the Doge's palace. Come and be part of history-with "yours truly" as Master of Ceremonies! Great and exciting music and live notes will make an evening to remember!

And by the way, you don't have to wear your customary wig-but if you have one and want to wear it, feel free: Halloween is just around the corner! Antonio, Arcangelo, and Tomasso will say hello! And the Doge will welcome your friends too!

Please go ahead and click here to get your seats!