18th Century, Venice. The Ospedale della Pietà is a refuge for orphaned and abandoned children. Here, girls study music, and the most talented of whom are placed in a special orchestra – renowned as one of the best in the world – that performs for Venetian high society and wealthy patrons of the orphanage.

While their showcases are used to raise money for the orphanage, they are also used to help secure marriage proposals for the women.