Wayward Sisters is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque era. The ensemble was founded in 2011 by violinist Beth Wenstrom and harpsichordist Avi Stein, who were both graduate students at the Juilliard School at the time. Wenstrom and Stein were inspired to form Wayward Sisters after performing together in a Baroque ensemble at Juilliard. They wanted to create a group that would allow them to explore the rich and varied repertoire of Baroque music, and to share their passion for this music with audiences. The ensemble's name, Wayward Sisters, is a reference to the witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, who are described as "wayward sisters" by one of the characters. The name reflects the ensemble's desire to challenge traditional ideas about Baroque music and to explore the more unconventional and adventurous aspects of the repertoire. The core members of Wayward Sisters are Beth Wenstrom (violin), Avi Stein (harpsichord), and Anneke Schaul-Yoder (cello). The ensemble also frequently collaborates with other musicians, including singers and instrumentalists. Since its founding, Wayward Sisters has performed at numerous venues and festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Some of the ensemble's most notable performances include appearances at the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Tage Alter Musik Regensburg in Germany. Wayward Sisters has also received critical acclaim for its recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "A Restless Heart," was released in 2014 and features music by Baroque composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Jean-Féry Rebel. The album was praised for its "vibrant and expressive" performances and its "impeccable" musicianship. In 2017, Wayward Sisters released its second album, "Vivaldi's Four Seasons Rediscovered," which features new arrangements of Antonio Vivaldi's famous violin concertos. The album was hailed as a "revelation" by critics, who praised the ensemble's "bold and imaginative" approach to the music. In addition to its performances and recordings, Wayward Sisters is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble frequently gives masterclasses and workshops for students and young musicians, and has worked with organizations such as the Juilliard Historical Performance Program and the San Francisco Early Music Society. Overall, Wayward Sisters is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is dedicated to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of Baroque music. With its virtuosic performances, imaginative programming, and commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble has established itself as one of the leading voices in the early music world.

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