Concerto de’ Cavalieri was founded in Pisa at the Scuola Normale Superiore by Marcello Di Lisa, bringing together some of Italy’s finest performers devoting themselves to baroque and classical repertoires on period instruments.

Under Marcello Di Lisa’s direction, Concerto de’ Cavalieri has gained a solid reputation for its historically informed interpretations – although also opened to other critical models – and for its warmth and vitality, as one of the most interesting period instruments orchestras in Italy.   

The ensemble regularly performs at festivals and venues throughout Italy and abroad, in collaboration with internationally renowned soloists (such as, among others, Daniela Barcellona, Gemma Bertagnolli, Sara Mingardo, Antonio Abete, Furio Zanasi) and its repertoire ranges from the music of the late 17th century to the early Romantic period.

Concerto de’ Cavalieri has recorded for Sony and CPO, and its albums have been enthusiastically received by the Italian and international press: “A completely captivating interpretation. An absolutely first-rate ensemble. This recording sets a new standard” (Fanfare); “Sensible historically and stylish artistically. Highly recommended” (Gramophone); “Quelle distribution! Un disque remarquable” (Diapason); “Une initiative d’une importance rare, un coup d’éclat, un manifeste plus qu’une compilation d’airs” (Muse Baroque); “Ein exquisit, mit viel Verve aufspielendes Ensemble” (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk); “Concerto de’ Cavalieri sonne bien, avec une sonorité dense et bien fondée” (Pizzicato); “Una «prima» sensazionale” (Corriere della sera); “Elegante, difficile, ma soprattutto entusiasmante” (Classic Voice).

Concerto de’ Cavalieri is a guest ensemble at the Centro Studi e Ricerche sulla musica delle età Barocca e Classica in Rome, working on a project to bring the Roman musical heritage of the 17th and 18th centuries back to life, with a focus on Alessandro Scarlatti. For the same purpose, in 2010 the ensemble started collaborating with the Fondazione Pietà de’ Turchini in Naples.   

Since 2011 Concerto de’ Cavalieri has been involved in a project (The Baroque Project) of several recordings, with Sony Classical, on Italian Opera in the 18th century.