Oltremontano was founded in 1993, at the behest of Radio Klara, to make a radio recording of the motets of Andreas Pevernage. The name refers to the leading Flemish composers of polyphony who shaped the music life of Europe in the 15th and 16th century. In Italy they were dubbed “Oltremontani”, or “those from beyond the mountains”. The core of this ensemble consists of sackbuts, cornets and double reed instruments, a strength that corresponds to the early alta capella formation of the city street musicians. The ensemble often appears in equal billing with vocal ensembles such as the Capilla Flamenca and the Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam. Oltremontano is a much appreciated guest at the most important European festivals, among them the Early Music Festival at St Petersburg, and is in a position to proudly announce its U.S. debut in 2009. A unique item on the ensemble’s discography is the world premiere of religious masterpieces by Lambert de Sayve.