Accademia Bizantina was formed in 1983 with the intent to make music "like a large string quartet", with equal dedication, participation and collective satisfaction.
With the same "chamber" approach today as then, the group is entirely run by the members, who together decide objectives and guidelines.
Since 1996 Ottavio Dantone and Stefano Montanari have collaborated in total harmony to provide the musical direction of the ensemble, covering respectively the roles of music director and of concertmaster, melding together the best of their human and artistic qualities .
The collective intent, in every phase of work, is that of combining philology and the study of the praxis of original instruments, with careful and respectful study of the score, as in the most noble tradition of Italian chamber music.
The discipline and refinement of Dantone, the energy and inspiration of Montanari, the enthusiasm and complicity on the part of each instrumentalist, weave together like the tiles of a Byzantine mosaic, placing the Accademia among the most refined and vivacious ensembles of antique music today present on the international stage.
Accademia Bizantina has made numerous recordings for Decca, l'Oiseau Lyre, Harmonia Mundi, Naive, Arts, Denon, and Amadeus, many of which have been awarded prizes such as Diapason d'Or and Midem and has been broadcast in live radio transmissions from Radio France, Rai Radio Tre, RSI and WDR, and has performed in the most prestigious festivals and halls across Europe, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the United States and South America.

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.

Stefano Montanari took his  diploma  in violin and piano and was awarded honours. He then received  a diploma of specialisation  in Chamber Music under Maestro PierNarciso  Masi at the Music Academy  of Florence, and obtained his diploma as soloist under Maestro Carlo Chiarappa at the Swiss Italian  School of Music in Lugano.  His interest in philology led him to focus his attention on the study of authentic instruments.
Since 1995 he has played as first violinist in the Accademia Bizantina of Ravenna under the direction of Maestro Ottavio Dantone.
He is the first violinist of the "J.Joachim" Quartet, which specialises in performances of quartets from the 18th and 19th century played on period instruments.
He has held Master Classes on the baroque violin and chamber music for the "A. Toscanini" Foundation of Parma, the "G.Rossini" Conservatory of Music  in Pesaro as well as the  Conservatoire of Piacenza.
He performs with the leading exponents in the field of early music, and in particular with C.Rousset and his ensemble "Les Talents Lyriques".
He has recorded with record companies like Fonè, Frequenz, Denon, Opus 111, Erato, Virgin, Tactus, Thymalus, Simphonya, Bottega discantica, Arts, as well as Decca.
He was a teacher at the Swiss Italian School of Music of Lugano from 1993 to 1999, and is currently teaching baroque violin at the International Academy of Music in Milan