Hirundo Maris is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing early music from the Mediterranean region. The ensemble was founded in 2012 by Arianna Savall, a Spanish singer and harpist, and Petter Udland Johansen, a Norwegian multi-instrumentalist. The two musicians met while studying at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland and discovered a shared passion for the music of the Mediterranean. The name Hirundo Maris comes from Latin and means "swallow of the sea," a reference to the migratory bird that travels between Europe and Africa. The name reflects the ensemble's focus on the music of the Mediterranean, which has been influenced by the cultures of both continents. The main members of Hirundo Maris are Arianna Savall, who sings and plays the harp, and Petter Udland Johansen, who plays a variety of instruments including the lute, guitar, and percussion. The ensemble also includes other musicians who specialize in early music, such as Jordi Savall, a renowned Catalan viol player, and David Mayoral, a Spanish percussionist. Hirundo Maris has performed at major music festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Festival de Saintes in France, and the Konzerthaus in Vienna. The ensemble has also released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Mare Nostrum," which features music from the Mediterranean region, and "Lux," which explores the theme of light in early music. One of the highlights of Hirundo Maris's career was their performance at the 2015 Edinburgh International Festival, where they presented a program of music from the Mediterranean. The concert received rave reviews from critics, who praised the ensemble's virtuosity and sensitivity to the music. Hirundo Maris has also received several awards and honors for their work. In 2016, they were awarded the prestigious ECHO Klassik award for their album "Lux," which was named the best early music recording of the year. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Gramophone Award and the International Classical Music Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, Hirundo Maris is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and they have collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience. Overall, Hirundo Maris is a unique and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of early music. Their focus on the music of the Mediterranean has brought new attention to this rich and diverse musical tradition, and their virtuosic performances have won them critical acclaim and a devoted following.

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