Classical Musicians of African Descent

WXXI Classical 91.5 is in the process of building a resource of photos and brief biographical information about musicians of African descent. This resource is by no means complete, and we rely on you to help us build the site by sharing your information. Please click on the alphabetical groupings below to begin your discovery.

Tona Brown, violin & mezzo-soprano

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM

Published February 1, 2022 at 11:36 AM EST

American violinist, mezzo-soprano and the first African-American transgender woman to perform at Carnegie Hall and for a United States president, chosen by the White House to sing the National Anthem for President Obama at the 2011 LGBT Pride Gala in New York City.

Brown was formally educated at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music (Winchester, VA) studying violin performance with minors in viola, piano and voice. Brown has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, including her recent performance in the Puccini opera "Suor Angelica" as La Principessa.