Hespèrion XXI is an international early music ensemble. The group was formed in Basel, Switzerland in 1974 as Hespèrion XX by Spanish musical director Jordi Savall (bowed string instruments, particularly the viola da gamba), Montserrat Figueras (soprano), Lorenzo Alpert (flute, percussion), and Hopkinson Smith (plucked string instruments). The ensemble is noted for its scholarship in early music — especially the music of 16th and 17th century Spain.