Quartetto di Liuti da Milano is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in Milan, Italy in 1995 by four musicians who shared a passion for early music and the lute. The founding members of Quartetto di Liuti da Milano were Luca Pianca, Massimo Lonardi, Paolo Cherici, and Cristiano Contadin. All four musicians were accomplished lutenists who had studied at the prestigious Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland. They came together to form the ensemble with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of music written for the lute quartet. The lute is a stringed instrument that was popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It has a delicate, intricate sound that is well-suited to the music of this era. The lute quartet, which consists of four lutes playing together, was a popular ensemble format during the Renaissance. Quartetto di Liuti da Milano quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic performances and their innovative interpretations of early music. They were praised for their ability to bring new life to centuries-old compositions, and for their skill in navigating the complex harmonies and rhythms of the lute quartet repertoire. Over the years, Quartetto di Liuti da Milano has performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals and concert halls. They have been featured at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, among others. They have also performed at major concert halls such as the Wigmore Hall in London, the Konzerthaus in Vienna, and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. One of the highlights of Quartetto di Liuti da Milano's career was their performance at the 2006 BBC Proms. The Proms is an annual music festival held in London, and is one of the most important classical music events in the world. Quartetto di Liuti da Milano's performance was highly acclaimed, and they were praised for their "exquisite musicianship" and "impeccable ensemble playing." In addition to their live performances, Quartetto di Liuti da Milano has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Musiche per quattro liuti," was released in 1998 and featured music by composers such as Giovanni Girolamo Kapsperger and Alessandro Piccinini. They have since released several more albums, including "La Bella Minuta" and "La Lira d'Orfeo," which have received critical acclaim. Quartetto di Liuti da Milano has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2001, they were awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for their album "La Bella Minuta." The Diapason d'Or is one of the most important awards in the classical music industry, and is given to recordings that are deemed to be of exceptional quality. In addition to their performances and recordings, Quartetto di Liuti da Milano is also committed to educating the next generation of lutenists. They have taught masterclasses at music schools and festivals around the world, and have mentored many young musicians who have gone on to successful careers in early music. Today, Quartetto di Liuti da Milano continues to be one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the early music world. They have inspired countless musicians and audiences with their beautiful and virtuosic performances, and have helped to keep the rich tradition of lute quartet music alive for future generations.

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