Hexperos is a project by Alessandra Santovito (former founder member of the band named Gothica), formed in 2004 together with Francesco Forgione (multi instrumentalist)  assisted by violinists Domenico Mancini and Alessandro Pensa, percussion instruments player Francesco Savoretti, handpan and percussion instruments player Loris Baccalà, guitarist Simone Ranieri and other talented guests. All music and lyrics, except where mentioned, are written by Alessandra Santovito, who has got numberless experience in various music fields and play also medieval music with the ensemble Las Cantigas de Hexperos. In 2020 the line -up changes. The new album is entirely composed by Alessandra Santovito – voice, flutes, keyboards and lyra; Valentina Locci – harp; Domenico Mancini – violin; Alan Di Liberatore – cello; Marco Molino – percussion instruments; Loris Baccalà – Percussion Instruments; illustrations by Nicolás Menay

The name Hexperos derives from the characters Esperidi and from Hesperos – the first being three mythological figures, the nymphs of the evening, who take care of a tree of golden apples and sing with melodious voices, and the latter the name of the first vesper star, the one preferred by Venus. Greek mythology, together with Gothic literature and pagan themes, serve as inspiration for the lyrics written by Alessandra, who on occasion uses also passages by other authors for the songs.

The music, composed  by Alessandra, creates an atmosphere of mysterious sensuality, romance and bittersweet melancholy, with influences from both classical and contemporary genres to which the band adds numerous references to Celtic, Mediterranean, Medieval or Baroque sonorities. Hexperos have also proposed their own versions of classic masterpieces such as Ave Maria by Caccini, A time for us by Nino Rota or Siete Canciones Populares Españolas by Manuel De Falla.

One of Hexperos albums is entitled Lost in the Great Sea, the title track reflects Alessandra’s fascination for the ancient past, Pre-Raphaelitism, and the great impact that women and their imaginary travels have made in the history of art.
We have been enamored with Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood’s works of art for many years and we feel that, in a certain way, we are a part of this artistic movement. Moreover, Alessandra was born in Vasto, Italy, the birthplace of Gabriele Rossetti (father of Christina and Dante Gabriel), so she feels especially obliged to keep this heritage alive through an art form. Alessandra’s source of inspiration comes from the lighting, colours and themes of Pre-Raphaelite art with a personal and modern twist, a concept that has been reflected in the work of Riccardo Bruni, photographer and cover artist for this album, and Malgorzata Maj, photographer and cover artist for our previous album The Veil of Queen Mab.

We want to take listeners on a journey through stories about real travelers and dreamers, ancient times, lovers, difficulties and mental images which induce sublime romanticism.
Nature, Celticism, music and myths are the leitmotif of Hexperos and of Pre-Raphaelite art.