The String Queens

Instrument: 
Instruments: 
strings
Genre: 
soul, jazz, classical
Origin: 
USA
Territories: 
world excl. us
Availability: 
2026: nov 2027: apr, may

A sound Europe hasn’t heard yet!

At a time when audiences are looking for authenticity and emotional connection, The String Queens stand out as one of the most compelling crossover acts emerging from the United States.

The Washington D.C. based trio blends classical virtuosity with the rich legacy of soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B, creating a sound that feels both deeply rooted and completely modern - they don’t just cover songs, they transform them into cinematic, emotionally charged experiences.

Their repertoire moves seamlessly from Chick Corea, Stevie Wonder, and jazz classics to Michael Jackson, Beyonce, the Beatles, and their original works. With performances for U.S. presidents and major cultural institutions, they are not just musicians, they are cultural storytellers with global impact.

Think Bridgerton energy meets Aretha Franklin, performed by a world-class trio with real cultural depth.


Renowned for their artistry, versatility, and engaging stage presence, The String Queens have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and platforms. Their notable appearances include the 2021 Presidential Inauguration Concert, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, ESPN’s Wimbledon Championship campaign, and collaborations with the National Symphony Orchestra and Capital City Symphony. The trio has also been featured at premier venues and festivals including the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note Jazz Club Napa, the DC Jazz Festival, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and as featured performers at the Capital Jazz Festival and Capital Jazz SuperCruise, as well as at the Geffen Playhouse in California, where they created unique arrangements of timeless works in tribute to Debbie Allen and Greg Berlanti.

The trio’s discography, including The String Queens (2019), Our Favorite Things (2020), and RISE (2022), showcases their signature sound and commitment to innovative programming. Building on this momentum, The String Queens will release its highly anticipated fourth studio album on June 19, 2026, co-produced by the aforementioned Regina Carter. The project will feature special guest artists and will further expand the ensemble’s genre-blending artistry and collaborative reach. Their work has earned critical acclaim and multiple honors, including WAMMIE Awards for Best Classical Group and Best Classical Song, the Aspire Award from the Atlanta Symphony, and the Jazz Education Award from the DC Jazz Festival Organization, as well as national media recognition through features on CBS Mornings (Emmy Award-winning segment) and Voice of America.

Beyond performance, The String Queens trio is deeply committed to arts education and community engagement. As U.S. Department of State Cultural Ambassadors, through the American Music Abroad program, and Voting Members of the Recording Academy, the trio uses its platform to promote cultural diplomacy, global artistic exchange, and the advancement of the music industry at the highest level. As experienced educators and clinicians, they have presented workshops, masterclasses, professional development sessions and keynote addresses for organizations such as the Save The Music Foundation, Carnegie Hall, El Sistema USA, and school districts and universities across the country. Their work emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, student voice, and innovative approaches to string instruction that connect classical technique with contemporary relevance.

At the heart of The String Queens’ work is a belief that music is a powerful vehicle for storytelling, connection, and social impact. Through both performance and education, they strive to inspire the next generation of musicians while reshaping the landscape of string music to be more inclusive, relevant, and reflective of the communities it serves.

Read more

RISE (2022)
Our Favorite Things (2020)
The String Queens (2019)

"They’re music educators, but there are certain things you cannot teach. Their love for music and the way they move, the way they dance, the way they perform, and the way they ignite an audience; that’s just special” Tony Dokoupil, CBS Mornings

LINE UP:

trio

Kendall Isadore - Violin
Dawn Johnson - Viola
Élise Sharp - Cello

6tet:

Kendall Isadore - Violin
Dawn Johnson - Viola
Élise Sharp - Cello
Anthony "Tony" Walker - piano
Romeir Mendez - bass
Charles Wilson - drums