Pizzicar Galante is a classical music ensemble that specializes in Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 2005 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of the Baroque era. The founding members of the ensemble were violinists Emanuele Forni and Stefano Marcocchi, violist Marco Testori, cellist Giuseppe Barutti, and harpsichordist Andrea Friggi. The ensemble takes its name from the Italian words "pizzicare" (to pluck) and "galante" (elegant), which reflect the group's focus on the use of plucked instruments such as the harpsichord, lute, and theorbo in their performances. Pizzicar Galante's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Corelli, as well as lesser-known Baroque composers. Since its founding, Pizzicar Galante has become one of the leading Baroque ensembles in Italy and has gained international recognition for its performances. The ensemble has performed at major music festivals and concert halls throughout Europe, including the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, the Festival de Musique Baroque de Pontoise in France, and the Wigmore Hall in London. One of the highlights of Pizzicar Galante's career was their performance at the 2012 Salzburg Festival, where they performed Handel's oratorio "La Resurrezione" to critical acclaim. The ensemble was praised for their "exquisite playing" and "impeccable ensemble work" by the Salzburger Nachrichten. In addition to their performances, Pizzicar Galante has also released several recordings, including their debut album "La Follia" in 2008, which features works by Vivaldi, Corelli, and Scarlatti. The album was well-received by critics and was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Pizzicar Galante has also been recognized for their contributions to the field of early music. In 2010, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Premio Abbiati, which is considered the highest honor in Italian classical music. The award was given to Pizzicar Galante in recognition of their "outstanding contributions to the revival of Baroque music and their commitment to excellence in performance." The current members of Pizzicar Galante are Emanuele Forni and Stefano Marcocchi on violin, Marco Testori on viola, Giuseppe Barutti on cello, and Andrea Friggi on harpsichord. The ensemble continues to perform and record, and their commitment to exploring the rich repertoire of the Baroque era has made them one of the most respected and admired early music ensembles in the world.

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