The Ardinghello Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music. The ensemble takes its name from the Italian composer and lutenist Alessandro Piccinini, who published a collection of lute music in 1623 under the pseudonym "Ardinghello." The ensemble's repertoire focuses on music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with a particular emphasis on Italian and Spanish composers. The founding members of the Ardinghello Ensemble were the violinist Elena Russo, the cellist Marco Frezzato, and the harpsichordist Paolo Zanzu. All three musicians had extensive experience performing early music, both as soloists and as members of other ensembles. They were joined soon after by the lutenist Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti, who is also a composer and musicologist. Since its founding, the Ardinghello Ensemble has performed extensively throughout Europe and North America, earning critical acclaim for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming. The ensemble has collaborated with a number of prominent soloists and conductors, including the countertenor Andreas Scholl and the conductor Jordi Savall. One of the highlights of the Ardinghello Ensemble's career was its performance at the 2010 Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The ensemble's program, entitled "La Folia," featured music by Spanish and Italian composers from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Diego Ortiz, Giovanni Battista Fontana, and Antonio Vivaldi. The performance was praised by critics for its "exquisite musicianship" and "impeccable ensemble playing." In 2012, the Ardinghello Ensemble released its debut album, "La Folia: Music from the Age of Cervantes." The album, which was recorded for the German label Christophorus, features music by Spanish and Italian composers from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Diego Ortiz, Gaspar Sanz, and Giovanni Battista Fontana. The album was well-received by critics, who praised the ensemble's "impeccable technique" and "sensitive interpretation." In 2015, the Ardinghello Ensemble was awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik award for its second album, "Concerti per la Pietà." The album, which was recorded for the German label Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, features music by Antonio Vivaldi and his contemporaries, performed in the style of the all-female orchestra that Vivaldi directed at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice. The album was praised by critics for its "vibrant energy" and "impressive virtuosity." In addition to its performances and recordings, the Ardinghello Ensemble is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has collaborated with a number of educational institutions, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Today, the Ardinghello Ensemble continues to be one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music, known for its virtuosic performances, innovative programming, and commitment to music education and outreach. With its unique blend of scholarship and artistry, the ensemble is sure to continue delighting audiences for years to come.

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