The music usually begins with a glance. A silent cue, a deep breath—and then, the room fills with sound.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra cellist Denielle Wilson knows this rhythm well. It’s a language she shares with her sister, Danya, on violin, and her brother, Cliff Jr., on piano. Together, they are the Wilson Trio—three siblings raised on classical radio, Sabbath hymns, and the steady encouragement of family and faith.
“We’ve been playing together since childhood,” she says. “We learned music the same way we learned life—side by side.”
Now adults, the trio lives within just a few miles of one another—Denielle and Danya both in Smyrna, and Cliff in nearby Marietta. And while each has their own path, they continue to share a deep creative bond.
“We’ve grown up musically together,” Denielle reflects. “We know each other’s strengths, habits, quirks. There’s a comfort there, but also a challenge. We push each other to be better.”
Their ensemble, the Wilson Trio, blends classical technique with soul, gospel, and jazz influences—a style shaped as much by concert halls as by church pews and community stages.
“We want our music to be excellent, but also heartfelt,” Denielle says. “It’s our way of honoring our faith and the people who’ve poured into us.”
One of their most memorable moments came last January, when the trio celebrated 15 years of making music together with a special anniversary concert—an evening dedicated to the teachers, relatives, and church communities who shaped their journey.
Denielle, who moved to Smyrna nearly three years ago, says the city has felt like home from the start. “There’s an energy here—a creative heartbeat,” she says. “From public art to local events, Smyrna celebrates its artists. That’s part of why my sister and I both chose to live here.”
The Wilson Trio hopes to perform more frequently in the Smyrna-Vinings area, bringing their unique sound—and story—to neighbors old and new.
“Music connects us,” Denielle says. “To each other, to our community, to something greater.”
Follow the Wilson Trio on Instagram @the.wilsontrio or learn more at www.deniellewilson.com.
"Our music is shaped by the people who poured into us—our parents, teachers, and church family. Playing together honors that legacy.”