Monica K Davis

Biography

Violinist and violist, Monica Davis, praised for her “refined and attractive” playing (New York Times), enjoys a multifaceted performance career based in New York City. A sought after collaborator, she has recorded for film, television, contemporary composers, and recording artists including Alicia Keys, Darlene Love, Billy Ocean, The National, José James, Fabian Almazan, Jason Robert Brown, and Bruce Springsteen. She’s toured with acclaimed singer songwriter and pianist, Regina Spektor, pop icon Diana Ross, and producer/composer, Rostam. She has also performed on Saturday Night Live, The Tony Awards, Live from Lincoln Center, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with multiple artists including Pearl Jam, Solange, Bette Midler, Audra McDonald, Ben Platt, Andrew Rannels, and Sharon Jones.

As one of two musicians featured in choreographer Jodi Melnick’s work, New Bodies, for New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns, she performed as part of the Guggenheim’s Works and Process series. A committed chamber musician, Monica is a guest performer with the Bronx Arts Ensemble, Concerts on the Slope, Harlem Chamber Players, Saratoga Chamber Players, and Tertulia. As first violinist of the Osso String Quartet she has premiered a number of new works including a double quartet by jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire for his quartet, the Osso String Quartet, and singer Cécile McLorin Salvant at the Kennedy Center.

In addition to this work, she joins the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra as a member of their violin section for the 2018-19 season. She has also performed with the Orchestra of St Lukes, American Symphony Orchestra, and the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

A mainstay in New York’s theatrical scene, she was in the original band of Rocky the Musical, Honeymoon in Vegas, Anastasia, and Mean Girls on broadway. And the original bands of Invisible Thread and Fun Home off-broadway. She is currently in the band of the Tony award-winning Hamilton on broadway.

Monica holds bachelors degree in history from Columbia University and a masters degree in violin performance from the Manhattan School of Music.