Quintetto Bottesini is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1993 in Italy. The ensemble is named after the famous Italian composer and double bass virtuoso Giovanni Bottesini, who is considered one of the greatest bassists of all time. The founding members of Quintetto Bottesini were five young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to explore the repertoire for wind instruments. The original members were Stefano Maffizzoni on flute, Marco Zoni on oboe, Fabrizio Meloni on clarinet, Luca Ranieri on horn, and Gabriele Screpis on bassoon. The ensemble quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and unique sound, which was characterized by a perfect blend of the five instruments. They became known for their innovative programming, which often included lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. One of the highlights of Quintetto Bottesini's early career was their performance at the prestigious Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy, in 1995. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their performance of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Rossini, among others. In 1996, Quintetto Bottesini won first prize at the International Chamber Music Competition in Osaka, Japan. This was a major achievement for the ensemble, as the competition was highly competitive and attracted some of the world's best chamber music groups. Over the years, Quintetto Bottesini has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. They have also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including pianist Martha Argerich and cellist Mischa Maisky. In addition to their performances, Quintetto Bottesini has recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Mozart's wind serenades. Their recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Diapason d'Or. Despite changes in personnel over the years, Quintetto Bottesini has remained committed to their original vision of exploring the repertoire for wind instruments and bringing chamber music to new audiences. They continue to tour extensively and are widely regarded as one of the world's leading chamber music ensembles.

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