I Turchini is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1987 by Antonio Florio, a conductor and musicologist from Naples, Italy. Florio had a passion for Baroque music and wanted to create an ensemble that would specialize in performing this genre of music. The ensemble's name, I Turchini, means "the little Turks" in Italian. This name was chosen because the ensemble's music is heavily influenced by the music of the Ottoman Empire, which was a major cultural and political force in the Mediterranean region during the Baroque period. The ensemble's main members are all highly skilled musicians who specialize in playing Baroque instruments. These include the harpsichord, the viola da gamba, the lute, the theorbo, and the Baroque guitar. The ensemble also features a choir, which is made up of both male and female singers. One of the highlights of I Turchini's career was their performance at the Festival de Musique Baroque de Versailles in 1995. This festival is one of the most prestigious Baroque music festivals in the world, and I Turchini was one of the few Italian ensembles to be invited to perform. The ensemble's performance was highly acclaimed, and they received a standing ovation from the audience. Another major highlight of I Turchini's career was their performance at the Salzburg Festival in 2001. This festival is one of the most important classical music festivals in the world, and I Turchini was one of the few Baroque ensembles to be invited to perform. The ensemble's performance was once again highly acclaimed, and they received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to these major performances, I Turchini has also won several awards for their recordings. Their recording of the opera "La Festa di Imeneo" by Leonardo Vinci won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award in 2003. This award is given to the best classical music recordings of the year, and I Turchini was one of only a few Baroque ensembles to ever win this award. Overall, I Turchini is one of the most respected Baroque music ensembles in the world. Their passion for this genre of music is evident in their performances, and they have won acclaim from audiences and critics alike. With their skilled musicians and dedication to their craft, I Turchini is sure to continue to be a major force in the world of classical music for years to come.

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