The String Queens

Praised for their authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ), Kendall Isadore, violin, Élise Sharp, cello, and Dawn Johnson, viola, are a dynamic trio known for creating captivating musical experiences that inspire audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine. Their versatile repertoire spans from the Baroque era and Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100, taking listeners on an exhilarating journey through time and genres.
Based in Washington, D.C., TSQ has performed at some of America’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Highlights of their career include a special tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris during the “We Are One” Presidential Inauguration Concert in January 2021, and a spotlight performance of their electrifying arrangement of Harry Styles’s hit “Golden” for The Championships, Wimbledon, in June 2021. As active members of the D.C. jazz scene, TSQ has headlined multiple festivals such as the DC Jazz Festival and the Capital Jazz Fest.
Recognized by WUSA9 as “school teachers by day and concert performers by night,” TSQ’s commitment to music education has earned them numerous accolades. These include the DC Jazz Festival’s “Jazz Education Award” (2022), Carnegie Hall’s “Music Educators Workshop” keynote address (2021), the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s “Aspire Award” (2020), and the Washington Performing Arts’ “Mars Arts D.C” Resident Ensemble distinction (2019-2020). Most recently, TSQ partnered with the Save The Music Foundation to lead nationwide professional development workshops focused on “Social Emotional Learning in the Arts Classroom” and “Trauma-Informed Arts Education,” addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August 2022, TSQ released their third album, RISE, funded by a Sphinx Organization MPower Artist Grant. This powerful collection offers unique arrangements of timeless classics by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Richard Smallwood, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson. RISE guides listeners on a profound journey from loss and despair to faith, triumph, and resilience. TSQ’s earlier releases include a self-titled EP (2019) and the holiday EP Our Favorite Things (2020). The trio will debut their fourth recording in late Spring 2026. All albums are available on their website and major digital platforms.