An Evening with Harriet Constable
Join us for an enchanting evening as we delve into the vibrant world of 18th-century Venice with novelist, Harriet Constable. We are thrilled to welcome Harriet to discuss her captivating novel, The Instrumentalist, in conversation with journalist, Rhiannon Ingle.
In addition to the discussion, the evening will feature a live violin performance, bringing the music of the era to life and creating a truly immersive experience that links directly with the themes of the book.
About the book
In The Instrumentalist, we are transported to the dazzling yet perilous streets of Venice in 1704, where orphan girls at the Ospedale della Pietà strive for a better future. Among them is eight-year-old Anna Maria, whose extraordinary talent and relentless ambition set her apart as she aims to become Venice’s greatest violinist and composer.
Anna Maria’s journey is one of fierce determination and resilience, navigating the challenges posed by her status and gender. Under the tutelage of a demanding maestro, her star begins to rise, but her ascent threatens to overshadow her mentor, putting her dreams in jeopardy. This evocative novel paints a vivid picture of ambition, loss, and triumph in the quest for greatness.
This event will feature Harriet discussing the intricate layers of Anna Maria’s story, the historical context of Venice, and the inspiration behind the novel. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights into this spellbinding tale.
Praise for The Instrumentalist 'Enthralling, passionate, vivid. The Instrumentalist is a marvel' - Kiran Millwood Hargrave
'Had me spellbound from start to finish' - Emma Stonex
'A story of musical rivalry which will completely capture your imagination' - Elodie Harper
'I was swept away by this searing portrait of ambition and betrayal' - Elizabeth Macneal
'An immersive, impassioned tale full of colour and sound' - Observer
'A fascinating story of music, ambition, and womanhood in eighteenth-century Venice' - Charmaine Wilkerson
'Viscerally transports you to eighteenth-century Venice and revives the lost story of a phenomenal woman' - Marie Claire
An Observer Debut Novelist of 2024
About Harriet Constable
Harriet Constable is a writer and filmmaker based in London. Her debut novel, The Instrumentalist, sold to Bloomsbury following a seven-way auction in the UK, Simon & Schuster in the US, and Harper Collins in Canada. It will publish globally in August 2024, with translation rights so far sold in 20 different languages. The book is inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, an orphan, musical prodigy, and student of Antonio Vivaldi. It has been named an Observer top 10 debut for 2024.
Harriet’s journalism and documentary work is featured in outlets including The New York Times, BBC, The Guardian, The Times, Financial Times, NPR, and The Economist. She produced for BBC News at Six and Ten during the pandemic and is a co-author of the Rough Guide to Kenya. She was part of the team that made the BAFTA-award-winning 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room.
Originally from London, Harriet worked at the Financial Times before spending several years in Nairobi and then Johannesburg. She grew up playing the flute and piano and singing with her mother, a classically trained musician.
Harriet holds a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Birmingham and attended the filmmaking summer school at Columbia University. She is a Pulitzer Center grantee and a BAFTA Connect member.
Harriet Constable is a writer and filmmaker based in London. Her debut novel, The Instrumentalist, sold to Bloomsbury following a seven-way auction in the UK, Simon & Schuster in the US, and Harper Collins in Canada. It will be published globally in August 2024, with translation rights so far sold in 20 different languages. The book is inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, an orphan, musical prodigy, and student of Antonio Vivaldi. It has been named an Observer top 10 debut for 2024.
About The Host: Rhiannon Ingle
Rhiannon Ingle is a Manchester-based journalist at the LADbible Media Group and also freelances for local publications including Manchester Wire and Taste of Manchester, exploring arts and literature.
About Violinist, Helen Chan
Born in Hong Kong, Helen Chan started learning violin at age 9. She had the opportunity to study with teachers from Shanghai, England and Russia. At 18, she started teaching violin. As a passionate educator she furthered her studies and earned an ABRSM Diploma in Teaching (Violin). In her free time, she enjoys making music in orchestra, classical ensembles as well as jazz ensembles in both England and Hong Kong
Event Details Doors - 7pm
Event Start - 7.30pm
Q&A - 8.15pm
Signing - 8.40pm
Live Violin Performance - Throughout the event