Accademia Bizantina
The Accademia Bizantina was founded in 1983 in Ravenna and today is regarded as one of the most versatile and select ensembles using original instruments which are required for the Italian repertoire of the 17th and 18th century: stylistic accuracy, imaginative interpretation and technical perfection are the particular characteristics which are appreciated in the playing of the Accademia.

The Accademia Bizantina has participated at all the important Italian and international concert series and festivals and has performed concerts in Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, England, Israel, Mexico, Holland, Switzerland, USA, Turkey and Hungary. Furthermore the ensemble has made numerous recordings for ARTS, Denon and RCA, as well as for radio and television broadcasting companies.

Since January 1996 the Accademia Bizantina has been directed by its harpsichordist Ottavio Dantone.

Ottavio Dantone - Conductor and harpsichordist
Ottavio Dantone took his diploma in organ and harpsichord at the 'G. Verdi' Conservatoire in Milan, starting his concert career when he was still very young. From the very beginning he devoted himself to an in-depth study of ancient music, quickly arousing the interest of public and crritics alike.

In 1985 he was awarded a prize for basso continuo at the International Competition in Paris, and then in 1986 at the International Competition at Bruges (two of the most important competitions in the world), and was the first Italian to have had such recognition as a harpsichordist at international level.

Since 1996 he has been musical director of Accademia Bizantina in Ravenna. In 1999, the first performance in modern times of 'Giulio Sabino' by Giuseppe Sarti marked his debut in the field of opera. Since then his usual activity as soloist and musical director of chamber ensembles has intensified with his role as conductor as he enhances his operistic repertoire from the classic to romantic period, performing both well and lesser -known operas, often as world premiers in the latter case.

His regular concert commitments have taken him to the most prestigious opera houses and international festivals.He can be heard on numerous radio and television recordings in Italy and abroad, as well as on famous recording labels as both soloist and conductor for which he has gained many awards and acclaim from international reviews.

Since 2003 he has been recording for Decca. He can be heard on numerous radio and television recordings in Italy and abroad, as well as on famous recording labels as both soloist and conductor for which he has gained many awards and acclaim from international reviews. Since 2003 he has been recording for Decca.