Giovanni Antonini

Italian musician and conductor Giovanni Antonini is a leading figure in the historical performance movement in Italy, dating back to the formation of his ensemble Il Giardino Armonico. Along the way he has picked up a pair of Grammy nominations, extended his scope to explore the world of opera, and has participated in several ambitious, long-term projects.

Il Giardino Armonico was formed by Antonini and Luca Pianca in 1985 while the two were studying at the Centre de Musique Ancienne in Geneva, and were developing an interest in performing classical compositions from the 17th and 18th centuries on period-accurate instruments. The historical performance movement had already caught on in other parts of Europe, and Il Giardino Armonico lit the spark in Italy. The ensemble is in the midst of a project to record all of Haydn’s symphonies in time for his 300th birthday in 2032. Similarly, Antonini has worked with the Basel Chamber Orchestra on complete cycles of Beethoven symphonies.

Antonini also established himself in the opera world, and earned a Best Opera Recording Grammy in 2016 for Handel: Giulio Cesare. He also picked up a trophy in 2010 for his album Sacrificium, which earned the Best Classical Album Grammy. In addition to conducting, Antonini also plays the Baroque traverso flute and the Baroque recorder.