Wammie award winner for “Best Classical Artist,” violist Tonya Burton enjoys a diverse career of both solo and ensemble playing. She recently won third place in the 2023 American Prize for Instrumental Soloists and a track from her solo album won a 2022 Wammie award for “Best Classical Song.”

An artistic leader, Burton is a core member of the Kinetic Ensemble, both performing and programming for the Houston based string orchestra known for showcasing diverse, under-represented and newly composed classical music. She also curates and performs with the Monarch Chamber Players, a group dedicated to making high-level chamber music accessible. She is currently on faculty at Sam Houston State University.