Violinist Angèle Dubeau founded La Pietà in 1997 when she was working on recording a few Vivaldi concertos. Who better to act as the orchestra than an all-female ensemble of string musicians such as Vivaldi himself conducted at the L’Ospedale della Pietà? Since that first recording, La Pietà has accompanied Dubeau on a number of releases and tours, to the point where directing it has become a full-time occupation for Dubeau. The sonic lushness of the small group -- numbering from 8-16 members, depending on the musical requirements -- had struck such a chord with audiences that La Pietà quickly became a permanent ensemble rather than just an occasional studio group. Dubeau and La Pietà have toured throughout the Americas and Asia, performing not only classic violin works, but contemporary string music and arrangements of more popular fare, such as film themes, with appreciative reception. Its "Portrait" series of recordings each feature music of a single composer, such as John Adams (2011) or Philip Glass (2008). It has also released whimsical special occasion, limited edition albums packaged as greeting cards. La Pietà and Dubeau are eager to expand the audience for classical music through well-played, appealing programs.