Ensemble Ciraninha is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by a group of young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in Lisbon, Portugal, and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances that blend traditional and contemporary music. The founding members of Ensemble Ciraninha were Ana Pereira (violin), João Pedro Delgado (violin), João Vasco (viola), and João Oliveira (cello). All four musicians had studied at the Lisbon National Conservatory and had already established themselves as talented performers in their own right. However, they were drawn together by a shared desire to explore the rich and diverse world of chamber music. From the outset, Ensemble Ciraninha set out to challenge the conventions of classical music performance. Rather than simply playing the standard repertoire of classical music, the ensemble sought to incorporate elements of folk music, jazz, and other genres into their performances. They also experimented with different arrangements and instrumentation, often incorporating unusual instruments such as the accordion or the mandolin. One of the highlights of Ensemble Ciraninha's early career was their performance at the 2013 Festival Internacional de Música de Espinho in Portugal. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their innovative and engaging performance, which included works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert as well as traditional Portuguese folk music. Over the years, Ensemble Ciraninha has continued to push the boundaries of classical music performance. They have collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, including jazz pianist João Paulo Esteves da Silva and the Portuguese fado singer Carminho. They have also commissioned new works from contemporary composers such as Nuno Côrte-Real and António Pinho Vargas. In 2016, Ensemble Ciraninha released their debut album, "Ciraninha," which featured a mix of classical and folk music. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for a Portuguese Golden Globe award for Best Classical Music Album. Another highlight of Ensemble Ciraninha's career was their performance at the 2018 Festival Internacional de Música de Marvão in Portugal. The ensemble performed a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, as well as traditional Portuguese folk music. The performance was praised for its energy, passion, and technical skill. Ensemble Ciraninha has also been recognized for their educational work, particularly their efforts to introduce classical music to young audiences. They have performed in schools and community centers throughout Portugal, and have developed educational programs that teach children about the history and culture of classical music. In 2020, Ensemble Ciraninha celebrated their eighth anniversary with a special concert at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon. The concert featured a mix of classical and contemporary music, and included works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert as well as pieces by contemporary composers such as Sofia Gubaidulina and Arvo Pärt. Ensemble Ciraninha has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In addition to their Golden Globe nomination, they have been awarded the Prémio Jovens Músicos (Young Musicians Award) and the Prémio Carlos Paredes (Carlos Paredes Award) for their contributions to Portuguese music.

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