By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
As part of Women’s History Month, which highlights generations of women who have broken barriers and shaped arts and culture, the D.C.-based trio String Queens spoke with AFRO News about their role as Black women in music.
Violinist Kendall Isadore, violist Dawn Johnson and cellist Élise Sharp emphasized the importance of sisterhood, mentorship and representation in a field traditionally dominated by men.
“We’ve developed ourselves into very empathetic educators and musicians,” said Johnson, 40. “Building relationships with people from all walks of life contributes to our sound, our friendship and our camaraderie.”
Isadore, an only child, shared how their sisterhood works in practice.
“Having big sisters is something I’ve always wanted. I can call each of them at any time of the day or night, and they can call me,” said Isadore, 38. “The bond is forever.”
From performing for former presidents to sharing stages with top artists and conductors, the String Queens’ nearly nine year journey has been as varied and vibrant as their arrangements.
Throughout their careers, as individuals and as a group, String Queens have had opportunities to collaborate with big artists such as Andra Day, Common and Jennifer Hudson, and worked with the late great conductor Mstislav Rostropovich.
They have also performed at a number of important events including a special performance dedicated to Vice President Kamala Harris at the “We Are One” Presidential Inauguration Concert in January 2021. They have also frequently appeared at the D.C. Jazz Festival and the Capital Jazz Fest.
All are current or former music educators in D.C. or Maryland and have earned top honors both individually and as a group, including the D.C. Jazz Festival’s 2022 Jazz Education Award and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Aspire Award in 2020. They continue to push boundaries, using their instruments to tell stories that resonate across generations.
Together, they are known for blending Baroque, Jazz Age and contemporary styles into performances that are both soulful and powerful.
Throughout their work they find intentional ways to honor the Black women that came before them and Black history.
“Everything is Black, Black, Black,” said Isadore. “Every song, every expression… so much of our repertoire pays homage to the people who have come before us.”
Johnson highlighted a song they perform called “A Woman’s Place is in the Groove,” previously played by notable Black women musicians such as jazz violinist Regina Carter, inspired by Ginger Smock and bassist Vivian Gary.
Sharp, 52, said she feels humbled to represent Black women in music.
“I’m honored to be a part of the conversation of Black influence,” she added. “Honored to be a part of a group like the String Queens and to be able to inspire and lend the talents that we have, the gifts that we have to uplift the next generation.”
Looking ahead, Johnson said the trio plans to expand their reach internationally.
“We are very spiritual people,” she said. “The foundation of everything we do is rooted in our faith. It’s only up from here in the next nine years with continued faith.”
The group is currently touring with shows across the country, their next stops will be at the Miramar Cultural Center in Miramar, Fla. on March 10 and the Safe Shores 30th Anniversary Celebration on April 21 in Washington, D.C.
Within that time, they hope to share their message of love, peace, inspiration and hope with audiences around the world, carrying forward the legacy of Black women in music.