Ensemble Locatelli is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1995 by the Italian violinist and conductor, Pietro Locatelli. The ensemble is named after the famous Italian composer and violinist, Pietro Antonio Locatelli, who lived in the 18th century. The founding members of Ensemble Locatelli were all accomplished musicians who shared a passion for performing Baroque music. The ensemble's core members included Pietro Locatelli on violin, Stefano Barneschi on violin, Marco Testori on cello, and Andrea Coen on harpsichord. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include other musicians, depending on the repertoire being performed. Ensemble Locatelli has become known for its authentic and historically informed performances of Baroque music. The ensemble uses period instruments and follows the performance practices of the time, including the use of ornamentation and improvisation. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and of course, Pietro Antonio Locatelli. One of the highlights of Ensemble Locatelli's career was their performance at the Festival de Musique Baroque de Pontoise in France in 1998. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, with Pietro Locatelli as the soloist. The performance was recorded and released on CD, which helped to increase the ensemble's international profile. Ensemble Locatelli has also performed at other major festivals and venues around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Wigmore Hall in London. The ensemble has collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the soprano Emma Kirkby and the Academy of Ancient Music. In addition to their performances, Ensemble Locatelli has also received numerous awards and accolades. In 2001, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for their recording of Handel's Concerti Grossi, Op. 6. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Gramophone Award and the International Classical Music Award. Ensemble Locatelli continues to perform and record today, with Pietro Locatelli still serving as the ensemble's artistic director. The ensemble's commitment to authentic and historically informed performances of Baroque music has helped to establish them as one of the leading ensembles in the field.

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