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The String Queens are a dynamic, genre-blending trio that brought their musical storytelling to the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on November 15. The group features Kendall Isadore on the violin, Dawn Johnson on the viola, and Élise Sharp on the cello; together they perform an energizing program that blends classical technique without soulful creativity.
From the moment audience members entered the theater, the tone was set with a playlist honoring the many talented Black Americans from the past. Songs such as Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles,” Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me,” and Lou Rawls’ “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” played softly, creating an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia.
Before the trio took the stage, Keith D. Hinton, Director of the Dodge Performing Arts Center, welcomed the audience with a charismatic and heartfelt introduction. He emphasized the importance of groups like The String Queens, noting the meaningful timing of their visit following the “Sacred Journey” event at the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland the previous week.
When the String Queens stepped onstage in their vibrant, colorful outfits, they opened with a series of inventive mash-ups and reimagined classics. Their arrangement, “Until Victory is Won,” combined patriotic pieces such as “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic," filling the theater with rich and resonant sound. The clarity and warmth of their tone highlighted both their musical skill and the excellent work of the stage and sound technicians.
Their rendition of the iconic “Pachelbel’s Canon in D” transformed the classical staple into a lively, dance-like piece with playful trills and rhythmic flair. A cover of The Beatles’ "Eleanor Rigby” showcased their precision with double stops and their infectious energy, amplified by the trio’s vocal cues woven throughout the performance.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” brought the audience to life with crisp pizzicato and interactive moments. The group taught the melody to the audience, encouraged a sing-along, and even started a wave across the room. Not only proving their instrumental skills, but also showcasing their very amazing vocal skill, too.
The trio also performed “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, the song that launched their career eight and a half years ago. Their original cover caught Carnegie Hall's attention, leading to an invitation to perform at its Stevie Wonder Tribute. In 2021, they played the same piece at the White House in honor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Midway through the concert, the group was joined by three additional musicians on piano, drums, and double bass. Pieces like “Summertime Maria” gained added depth and soul with the expanded ensemble. The audience especially enjoyed “A Woman’s Place Is in the Groove,” which featured impressive solos from the additional performers.
The program also included favorites such as “Stand by Me,” “My Favorite Things," and “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.” The night concluded with a powerful “Worship Medley” of well-known gospel songs. Audience members sang, praised, and raised their hands in worship, filling the space with emotion and unity.
After a standing ovation, the trio prayed with the audience and expressed gratitude for the blessing of performing while maintaining full-time careers in education. Kendall Isadore serves as Director of Enrollment Management at Bishop McNamara High School; Dawn Johnson was a quarter finalist for the first-ever GRAMMY Music Educator Award; and Élise Sharp directs a Maryland high school orchestra program that teaches at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
The String Queens also stood out for boldly breaking long-held traditions in classical music. Their colorful attire contrasted with the centuries-old custom of “concert black”, refreshing the stage with personality and cultural representation. They encouraged applause, singing, and participation, challenging the conventional silence expected during classical performances. Even cell phones, which are typically banned, were embraced, with audience members recording and taking photos respectfully without disrupting the show.
The String Queens' performance demonstrated that classical music can evolve while staying connected to community, culture, and joy. Their visit to St. Mary’s County was more than a concert—it was a celebration of history, artistry, and shared humanity.
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