Ottavio Dantone earned 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 in-depth study of ancient music, quickly arousing the interest of public and critics alike.
In 1985 he was awarded a prize for basso continuo at the International Competition in Paris, then in 1986 at the International Competition at Bruges and he was the first Italian to have gained such recognition as a harpsichordist at international level.
Since 1996 he has been musical director of the 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 been extended by his work as conductor, as he enhances his operatic repertoire from the classic to romantic period, performing familiar and lesser-known operas, the latter often as world premières.
His regular concert commitments have taken him to the most prestigious opera houses and international festivals. He can be heard in numerous radio and television recordings in Italy and abroad, as well as on famous recording labels as soloist and conductor, for which he has received many awards and been acclaimed by reviewers internationally.
Since 2003 he has been recording for Decca.