The Ricciotti Ensemble is a classical music ensemble based in the Netherlands. Founded in 1970, the ensemble has become one of the most renowned and respected classical music groups in the country. The ensemble is known for its unique approach to classical music, which combines traditional classical music with contemporary and popular music styles. The Ricciotti Ensemble was founded by a group of young musicians who were passionate about classical music and wanted to bring it to a wider audience. The ensemble was named after the Italian violinist and composer Ruggiero Ricci, who was known for his virtuosity and his dedication to classical music. The ensemble's founding members included a group of young musicians who were studying at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam. They were inspired by the idea of creating a classical music ensemble that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or musical knowledge. Over the years, the ensemble has grown and evolved, but its commitment to making classical music accessible to everyone has remained the same. Today, the ensemble is made up of around 40 musicians, including string players, wind players, percussionists, and a conductor. The ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Baroque and Classical to Romantic and Contemporary. In addition to traditional classical music, the ensemble also performs contemporary and popular music, including jazz, pop, and world music. One of the highlights of the Ricciotti Ensemble's career was its performance at the 1998 World Expo in Lisbon, Portugal. The ensemble was invited to perform at the Expo as part of the Netherlands' cultural program. The performance was a huge success, and the ensemble received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to classical music. In addition to its performance at the World Expo, the Ricciotti Ensemble has also performed at a number of other major events and festivals. These include the Holland Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Uitmarkt in Amsterdam. The ensemble has also received a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the VSCD Classical Music Prize, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the Dutch classical music world. The ensemble has also been nominated for the Edison Classical Music Award, which is the Dutch equivalent of the Grammy Awards. The Ricciotti Ensemble's commitment to making classical music accessible to everyone has led to a number of innovative projects over the years. One of these projects is the ensemble's "Street Orchestra" program, which involves the ensemble performing in public spaces such as parks, squares, and train stations. The Street Orchestra program has been hugely successful, and has helped to bring classical music to a wider audience. The program has also inspired other classical music ensembles around the world to adopt similar approaches to making classical music more accessible. In addition to its Street Orchestra program, the Ricciotti Ensemble has also been involved in a number of other innovative projects over the years. These include collaborations with other musicians and artists, as well as educational programs for young people. Overall, the Ricciotti Ensemble is a unique and innovative classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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