Altramar, in the Occitan language of the troubadours, was the name given to the Near Eastern lands that lay "over the sea;" the lands where Crusade and trade resulted in the rich cultural interchange of East and West.

Altramar is an ensemble specializing in music of the Medieval Era, sharing historical repertory in the context of human experience, and evoking the vibrant tapestry of medieval culture. Altramar combines a process of collaborative partnership with a commitment to scholarship and expression. Since 1991, Altramar has been presenting their unique blend of song and story, drama and rhetoric, and voices and instruments to audiences throughout North America.

Altramar's members arrived at their medieval meeting place by way of diverse musical paths: Jann Cosart plays bowed string instruments from the twelfth to the twentieth centuries. Her varied performing and teaching experience has taken her throughout North America and the Orient. David Stattelman, a native Iowan, received his earliest musical training through participation in the Roman Catholic liturgy, in which he is still plays an active part. In addition to Altramar, he maintains interests in chant and medieval polyphony, and performs with Magnificat and Theatre of Voices. Chris Smith is a jazz guitarist and ethnomusicologist, specializing in performance traditions of the Near East and the African Diaspora. He is a faculty member at the Indiana University School of Music, and produces the program "One World" for National Public Radio affiliate WFIU in Bloomington. Angela Mariani is a specialist in the performance practice of medieval music, whose career has included experience in rock, folk, and traditional styles. She produces the nationally-syndicated early music program Harmonia at WFIU in Bloomington, and has taught and performed in Boston, Bloomington, Amherst, and Vancouver.

Altramar performs on a matched set of instruments especially designed for them by luthier Timothy G. Johnson.

Altramar performs in a wide range of venues; appearances include the Boston Early Music Festival, Milwaukee's Early Music Now, St. Paul Early Music, Bloomington Early Music Festival, Festival Music Society of Indianapolis, Early Music Vancouver, and Kalamazoo International Congress on Medieval Studies. The ensemble has presented lectures, demonstrations, and workshops throughout North America, and has contributed to panel discussions, conferences and publications on many aspects of music and performance.

Altramar has been cited for "dramatic intensity" (Indiana Daily Student) and "estimable scholarship" (Bloomington Herald Times), "look-you-in-the-eye intensity" (Boston Globe) as well as "humanity and charm" (Indiana Daily Student). Critics, scholars, and fellow artists have lauded "expressive and lively" performances that "please the ears" (Indianapolis Star) and "seem to reach for the atmospheric interior of the music" (Bloomington Voice):

"The performances are glorious."
--Mark Kausch, Public Radio International

"They were spectacular, easily the finest such group I have ever heard. I was moved and exalted and was finally persuaded that a medieval audience would have been likewise."
-- Dr. George Greenia, Chair, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, College of William and Mary

"I felt as if I had my soul washed clean."
--Sonja Rasmussen, Bimbetta

"You...brought the music to life, and showed that it is once again a living tradition."
--Dr. J. Peter Burkholder, Indiana University School of Music