The Playfords is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of early music and contemporary sounds since their founding in 1990. The ensemble is made up of four core members, each of whom brings their own unique talents and expertise to the group. Over the years, The Playfords have become known for their innovative approach to classical music, as well as their ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and genres. The founding members of The Playfords are David Greenberg, Kate Bennett Wadsworth, Peter Barnes, and Carolann Buff. Each of these musicians had already established themselves as accomplished performers in their own right before coming together to form the ensemble. David Greenberg is a renowned violinist and fiddler who has performed with some of the biggest names in the world of early music, including Jordi Savall and Hesperion XX. Kate Bennett Wadsworth is a talented cellist who has performed with a wide range of ensembles, from the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Boston Camerata. Peter Barnes is a versatile multi-instrumentalist who plays everything from the recorder to the bagpipes, and Carolann Buff is a skilled harpsichordist and pianist who has performed with numerous early music ensembles. From the very beginning, The Playfords set out to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other classical music ensembles. They drew inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including traditional Celtic music, Baroque music, and contemporary folk music. The result was a sound that was both familiar and fresh, with a unique blend of old and new that captivated audiences. One of the highlights of The Playfords' early career was their performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 1991. This prestigious festival is one of the most important events in the world of early music, and The Playfords' performance was a resounding success. They received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, and their reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting early music ensembles in the world began to grow. Over the years, The Playfords have continued to push the boundaries of classical music, experimenting with new sounds and styles while remaining true to their roots. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including "The Playfords: Traditional Music from Nova Scotia" and "The Playfords: Early Music and Beyond." They have also collaborated with a wide range of other musicians and ensembles, including the Boston Camerata, the Baltimore Consort, and the New York Baroque Dance Company. One of the most memorable performances in The Playfords' career was their appearance at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2003. This prestigious festival is one of the most important cultural events in the world, and The Playfords were honored to be invited to perform. Their performance was a huge success, with audiences and critics alike praising their innovative approach to classical music. In addition to their performances, The Playfords have also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. They have been nominated for several Juno Awards, which are the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards, and they have won several East Coast Music Awards. They have also been recognized for their contributions to the world of early music, receiving the Early Music America Award in 2007.

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