A composer of a great reputation and influence, Francesco Gasparini is also known as an outstanding educator and music administrator. Gasparini appointed Antonio Vivaldi as violin master at the girls’ orphanage, the place where Vivaldi built the foundation for his future career. Gasparini’s operas served as models for Handel. In 1701 Gasparini assumed the position of director of music at Ospedale della Pietà in Venice and within a few years Gasparini turned it into Italy’s finest conservatory.