The String Queens Are Composing Their Own Legacy

There comes a moment in every artist’s journey when interpretation gives way to creation. For The String Queens, that moment has arrived.

Known for their ability to breathe new life into music across genres, the celebrated trio has spent years captivating audiences through performances that honor both tradition and innovation. Now, with the release of Troubled Liberty, their first original composition, Kendall Isadore, Dawn Michelle Johnson, and Élise Sharp are stepping even further into their own voice.

Rooted in history, sisterhood, faith, and purpose, the piece arrives at a time when conversations around freedom, identity, and belonging continue to shape our national consciousness. For The String Queens, music has always been about more than entertainment. It is a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and what we carry forward.

SHEEN caught up with the trio to talk about their journey, the inspiration behind Troubled Liberty, and how they continue to create space for themselves and future generations through the power of music.

SHEEN: Take us back to the beginning. How did the three of you meet, and what inspired you to come together to form The String Queens?

The String Queens: We met one another at different times over the last several years. Dawn and Élise were the first to meet nearly twenty years ago while performing with Baltimore’s Soulful Symphony. Years later, Élise and Kendall connected through Washington, D.C.’s music scene, while Kendall and Dawn were introduced through Dawn’s husband during their days as educators. What started as wedding gigs and shared performances quickly grew into a deep friendship and musical partnership. After realizing how naturally we connected both on and off the stage, we came together with a shared vision, and The String Queens was born. Nine years later, we’re still growing, creating, and inspiring together.

SHEEN: The String Queens seamlessly blend classical music with genres deeply rooted in Black culture. Why is it important for you to showcase the full spectrum of musical influences that have shaped your artistry?

The String Queens: String instruments have traditionally been associated with Eurocentric traditions, while genres such as gospel, jazz, R&B, and soul have often been excluded from the string music landscape. As Black women, we wanted to create space for audiences to hear the music that shaped our lives reflected through our instruments. Classical music is our foundation, but the sounds of Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire, gospel choirs, and jazz legends are equally a part of our musical identity. Our mission is to create experiences that inspire people to love, hope, feel, and imagine while demonstrating that all music belongs in the string world.

SHEEN: After years of reimagining and performing music across genres, what inspired you to create and release your first original composition, Troubled Liberty? And what story do you hope listeners take away from the piece?

The String Queens: Since our inception, we have found purpose in reimagining music across cultures, genres, and generations. But Troubled Liberty felt different. It wasn’t simply music we wanted to perform. It was music we felt compelled to create.

Inspired in part by the film Sinners and its exploration of music as a vessel for memory, resistance, spirituality, and survival, the piece reflects on the enduring question of what freedom truly means. Released on Juneteenth, Troubled Liberty acknowledges both the celebration of progress and the realities that continue to challenge true equality.

The composition weaves together Wade in the Water, My Country, ’Tis of Thee, and original material inspired by our own reflections as descendants of a resilient people. We were especially honored to have Nikki Giovanni lend her voice to the introduction, connecting our work to the legacy of the Black women whose brilliance helped shape American history.

Ultimately, we hope listeners experience the fullness of the African American story and leave inspired to reflect on freedom, justice, resilience, and hope.

SHEEN: Releasing Troubled Liberty on Juneteenth feels especially meaningful. What does this moment represent to each of you personally and collectively as artists?

Kendall Isadore: As a native Texan with family roots connected to the birthplace of Juneteenth, the holiday has always been deeply personal. It serves as a reminder of both the victories won and the work that remains. Every note I play on Troubled Liberty honors the sacrifices of our ancestors and reminds me that freedom has always come at a cost.

Dawn Michelle Johnson: Juneteenth represents freedom delayed, but not denied. It is a celebration of survival, perseverance, and Black excellence. As artists, we recognize that every opportunity we have today exists because of generations who endured and believed in a better future.

Élise Sharp: When we completed Troubled Liberty, it felt powerful, spiritual, and ancestral. Releasing it on Juneteenth felt natural because the music reflects the same journey from struggle toward hope that the holiday represents.

SHEEN: Classical music is often presented through a very narrow lens. How have you used your artistry to expand the conversation about who belongs in these spaces and what string music can sound like?

The String Queens: Simply by showing up authentically as ourselves, we’ve expanded that conversation. We know what it means to enter spaces where you don’t always see yourself reflected, which is why representation matters so much. Through performances, education, and original works like Troubled Liberty, we are helping tell a fuller story of American music, one that includes the sounds, experiences, and contributions of Black communities. We want young people to see us and know they belong, too.

SHEEN: The chemistry between the three of you is undeniable. What have you learned from one another throughout your journey as The String Queens?

The String Queens: What audiences see on stage is rooted in genuine sisterhood. Over the years, we’ve learned how to leverage each other’s strengths, support one another through challenges, and build something greater than ourselves. We have backgrounds in education and leadership, which has helped us develop strong communication, accountability, and trust. More importantly, we’ve learned that the strongest ensembles are built on love, shared purpose, faith, and a commitment to growing together.

SHEEN: As women balancing family life and demanding careers as performers, educators, and leaders, what does self care look like for each of you?

The String Queens: Self care is a necessity, not a luxury. It starts with being present for the people we love and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends. It also means prioritizing rest, exercise, healthy eating, faith, and personal interests outside of music. We are grateful for the village that supports us, and we intentionally make time to recharge so that we can continue serving our audiences, students, and communities from a place of fullness rather than exhaustion.

SHEEN: You have built an impressive career as both a musician and educator. How have those two passions informed one another throughout your journey?

Kendall Isadore: Education and music have always worked hand in hand throughout my career. The leadership, planning, communication, and relationship building skills I’ve developed as an educator directly influence my work as a performer and leader. Whether I’m creating a workshop, planning a tour, or composing new music, I draw from lessons learned in the classroom. My goal has always been to leave people better than I found them, whether I’m standing in front of students or an audience.

SHEEN: As a Juilliard trained violist, arts leader, and educator, what motivates you to continue investing in the next generation?

Dawn Michelle Johnson: Investing in the next generation is deeply personal because I know firsthand what it means to benefit from the investment of others. Throughout my life, mentors opened doors, shared wisdom, and helped me navigate spaces where representation was limited. I believe it is my responsibility to do the same for those coming behind me. Mentorship is how lineage is created. It is how knowledge, resilience, and opportunity are passed forward. Every young artist we encourage is an investment in a future we may never fully see but can help shape.

SHEEN: Your journey began with the DC Youth Orchestra Program and has come full circle through your years as an educator. What advice would you give to young musicians who dream of turning their passion into a career?

Élise Sharp: Believe in yourself, be courageous, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Trust your preparation, trust your passion, and trust that your voice has value. Most importantly, lean on your village. Every step of my journey has been shaped by people who believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me grow. Success is never a solo effort.

SHEEN: If you could describe The String Queens’ mission in one sentence, what would it be?

The String Queens: To create transformative musical experiences that inspire people from all walks of life to love more deeply, hope more boldly, feel more authentically, and imagine greater possibilities for themselves and the world around them.

Credit: Roy Cox Photography