The name of this group is composed of two words full of meaning for the Portuguese and directly related to the music they perform: the word "Concerto" was used in the Renaissance to refer to instrumental ensembles or groups of voices and instruments playing simultaneously; "Atlântico" (Atlantic) is the matrix, space, and symbol, the route that in the past made the dream of expansion and the meeting of cultures and peoples possible, enriching us in the present.

Concerto Atlântico is made up of specialists in the performance of music from the 15th to 17th centuries, using historical instruments (faithful copies of period instruments) and interpretative approaches that aim to highlight the expressive qualities of the repertoire to which the group is dedicated. 

Founded and directed by Pedro Caldeira Cabral, the group was established in 1991 and has since given numerous concerts throughout mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores. It has also performed abroad, notably in the Netherlands (Utrecht, Holland Festival, 1992), Morocco (Rabat International Festival, 1992 and 1993), France (Paris, 1993 and 1994), England (London, 1994), and Germany (Berlin, 2007). Concerto Atlântico has been regularly featured on radio (Antena 2 in Portugal, VPRO in the Netherlands, BBC 3 in the UK, Radio France Culture, ZDF in Germany, among others) and television (RTP 2), and has recorded a CD titled “Meus olhos vão pelo Mar…” ("My Eyes Wander Across the Sea...").

To this day, it remains the only viol consort (quintet) in Portugal, with its members being multi-instrumentalists. It also currently forms the only charamela (shawm) choir in the country. The ensemble has produced special programs in collaboration with adult and children's choirs, as well as actors and dancers specializing in Renaissance dance.