Il Gardellino was founded in 1988, stimulated by oboist Marcel Ponseele and flautist Jan De Winne. The group evolved from eight permanent members of the ensemble into a dynamic entity, joined by singers, extra winds and strings according to the requirements of the works being performed.

The core members are leading specialists in historically informed performance practice and internationally recognised interpreters of Baroque music. Il Gardellino carefully researches its programs and is highly regarded nationally and internationally. It is a frequent guest at important European music festivals and concert halls and performed in Australia, Asia, the US, Central and South America, Israel and Russia.