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Our Team
Insight Chamber Players' unique concerts are made possible by our amazing team of administration and brilliant roster of Musicians.
Administration & Board
Leah Froyd, Cofounder & President
Ericsson Hatfield, Cofounder & Vice President
Felicia Su Treasurer
Albert Yeh, Secretary
Advisory Committee
Susan Voigt Hatfield, Consultant
David Conte, Composer and Chair of Composition at San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Linda Johnson, Educator
Haerang Lee, Social Media Marketing
Host Committee
Davidson Bidwell-Waite & Edwin Waite, Clocktower Salon
Gail Baugh & Jim Warshell, Fisk House
George Horsfall, Blue Painted Lady
Simon Wistow & Stephanie Vacher, Broderick Victorian
Udi & Guy Ledergor, St. Francis Salon
Bing Liem, Lumina Salon
Dan Robinson & Courtney Chenette, Shanon-Kavanaugh House
Instrumentalists
Leah Froyd, Cofounder, Violin & Viola
Violinist, Leah Froyd hails from Denver, Colorado where she has earned recognition as a soloist, chamber musician and arts humanitarian. Ms. Froyd graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of renowned violinist, Ian Swensen. Trading coasts, Leah entered into the Master of Music Degree program at the Longy School of Music of Bard College as a Roman and Melanie Totenberg Scholar where she was the teaching assistant to Paula Majerfeld. During her studies in Boston, Ms. Froyd served as assistant Principal 2nd of the Lyrica Citizen’s Artist Orchestra as well as the organization’s managing director, specializing in collaborations with the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless and other local shelters. Now, in San Francisco, Ms. Froyd teaches her own private studio in the city and is the Founder and Director of Insight Chamber Players, an educational chamber music collective aiming to foster the relationships between local classical musicians and the community.
Ericsson Hatfield
Cofounder, Violin, Composer
Ericsson Hatfield co-founder of Insight Chamber Players, is a multifaceted musician with a rich background in composition, performance, education, and theory. His accomplishments span various prestigious competitions and institutions, showcasing his talent and dedication across different musical domains.
In his compositional endeavors, Ericsson has achieved notable recognition, including winning first prize in the Tribeca New Music Festival for his violin quartet "Constellations" in 2018. His song cycle "God's World," commissioned after winning the Kristen Pankonin Award at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, garnered further acclaim by securing first place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Art Song Composition Competition in 2022. Additionally, his piece "Cantate Domino" triumphed in SFCM’s 15th Biennial Choral Competition, and "Mining the Sunshine" was premiered by The Capital Hearings, further establishing his prowess as a composer.
Ericsson studied Composition at the European American Musical Alliance (EAMA) in Paris with David Conte, fostering a relationship that continued into the Master of Music program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
In addition to his roles as a performer and composer, Ericsson is deeply engaged in music education. He has authored the manual "Techniques of Canonic Counterpoint” a valuable resource for students and practitioners of counterpoint, showcasing Ericsson's expertise in this intricate musical technique. Through his lectures and educational initiatives, Ericsson demonstrates a commitment to nurturing the next generation of composers and musicians while advancing the understanding of musical theory and practice.
Ericsson's dedication to education is evident through his work with the prestigious ensembles such as the Grammy winning San Francisco Girl’s Chorus’s Premiere Ensemble and his teaching roles at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
In his own musical journey as a violinist, Ericsson pursued rigorous training at institutions like New York University where he studied under Cyrus Beroukhim, Stephanie Chase, Gregory Fulkerson and Radim Krestaand and the Meadowmount School of Music, where he studied violin with Sally Thomas, Ann Setzer and Steven Rochen. His diverse educational background, which includes a minor in Business Entertainment, Media, and Technology from the NYU Stern School of Business and currently Music Theory PHD candidate at McGill University demonstrates a well-rounded approach to his musical career.
Overall, Ericsson Hatfield emerges as a versatile and accomplished figure in the contemporary music scene, excelling as a composer, performer, educator, and advocate for musical accessibility and education.
In his compositional endeavors, Ericsson has achieved notable recognition, including winning first prize in the Tribeca New Music Festival for his violin quartet "Constellations" in 2018. His song cycle "God's World," commissioned after winning the Kristen Pankonin Award at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, garnered further acclaim by securing first place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Art Song Composition Competition in 2022. Additionally, his piece "Cantate Domino" triumphed in SFCM’s 15th Biennial Choral Competition, and "Mining the Sunshine" was premiered by The Capital Hearings, further establishing his prowess as a composer.
Ericsson studied Composition at the European American Musical Alliance (EAMA) in Paris with David Conte, fostering a relationship that continued into the Master of Music program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
In addition to his roles as a performer and composer, Ericsson is deeply engaged in music education. He has authored the manual "Techniques of Canonic Counterpoint” a valuable resource for students and practitioners of counterpoint, showcasing Ericsson's expertise in this intricate musical technique. Through his lectures and educational initiatives, Ericsson demonstrates a commitment to nurturing the next generation of composers and musicians while advancing the understanding of musical theory and practice.
Ericsson's dedication to education is evident through his work with the prestigious ensembles such as the Grammy winning San Francisco Girl’s Chorus’s Premiere Ensemble and his teaching roles at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
In his own musical journey as a violinist, Ericsson pursued rigorous training at institutions like New York University where he studied under Cyrus Beroukhim, Stephanie Chase, Gregory Fulkerson and Radim Krestaand and the Meadowmount School of Music, where he studied violin with Sally Thomas, Ann Setzer and Steven Rochen. His diverse educational background, which includes a minor in Business Entertainment, Media, and Technology from the NYU Stern School of Business and currently Music Theory PHD candidate at McGill University demonstrates a well-rounded approach to his musical career.
Overall, Ericsson Hatfield emerges as a versatile and accomplished figure in the contemporary music scene, excelling as a composer, performer, educator, and advocate for musical accessibility and education.
Isabel Tannenbaum, Viola
Violinist and violist Isabel Tannenbaum is currently pursuing a masters degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Simon James and Dimitri Murrath. A recent winner of the school’s annual concerto competition, she also serves as concertmaster of the Conservatory Orchestra. Graduating from Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music, she was a recipient of the Chris Teal Award for excellence in collaborative performance. As an avid lover of chamber music, Isabel has worked with members of the Kronos, Juilliard, Cavani, Blair, and Danel Quartets. A fellow of the Aspen Music Festival, she performed for several summers with the Aspen Festival Orchestra and Aspen Chamber Symphony.
Cuna Kim, Violin
Violinist Cuna Kim is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying under Wonhee Bae of the Esmé Quartet. As a chamber musician, she is very passionate about the accessibility of classical music and breaking barriers, primarily reaching underprivileged communities. Cuna has had the privilege to work with artists such as Robert McDonald, Stefan Jackiw, David Radzynski, and William van der Sloot, as well as the Miró, Telegraph, and Jupiter Quartets.
Griffin Seuter
Griffin Seuter is a cellist based in San Francisco. She is passionate about music education and was the Ambassador of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra where her responsibilities included sitting on the board of the orchestra, contributing to the planning and execution of the affiliated youth orchestra program (MyPSO), and organizing outreach concerts. Griffin has been involved with a variety of orchestras including the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, Portsmouth Pro Musica, UNH Symphony Orchestra, Tufts University Orchestra, Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Nashville Sinfonietta, and Gateway Chamber Orchestra. She has participated in festivals such as the SONAD Project, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Madeline Island Chamber Music, National Music Festival, and The Chautauqua Institution. She is an avid chamber musician and was a 2021 Recipient of The Christian Teal Award for collaborative playing.
Griffin is a recent graduate of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University where she completed a Bachelor of Music degree studying under Dr. Felix Wang. A lover of all kinds of music, Griffin earned a Minor in Baroque Music Performance as well as a Concentration in Musicology. She served as a research assistant to Dr. Isidora Miranda in her study of Southeast Asian music and theater during the Colonial Period and as an assistant to Dr. Douglas Shadle in his Florence Price Research. She is pursuing her M.M. at San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Professor Jennifer Culp.
Griffin is a recent graduate of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University where she completed a Bachelor of Music degree studying under Dr. Felix Wang. A lover of all kinds of music, Griffin earned a Minor in Baroque Music Performance as well as a Concentration in Musicology. She served as a research assistant to Dr. Isidora Miranda in her study of Southeast Asian music and theater during the Colonial Period and as an assistant to Dr. Douglas Shadle in his Florence Price Research. She is pursuing her M.M. at San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Professor Jennifer Culp.
Meghan Crosby-Jolliffe, Mezzo Soprano
Meghan Crosby-Jolliffe is a mezzo-soprano, educator, and administrator who is passionate about fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for all performing artists. Meghan holds a Master of Music in Voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a BM in Voice from the New England Conservatory. As a performer, Meghan crosses over genres, equally at home in Opera, Musical Theater, Early Music, and Chamber music settings. Favorite Bay Area performances include; Jewish Boys with Musical Cafe, Die Schöne Müllerin in recital at SFCM, and Sondheim on Sondheim with the SFCM Musical Theatre Ensemble. When not performing, Meghan Music Directs the Mainstage program at Musical Theatre Works and serves as the Membership & Community Engagement Officer for the Bay Area's theatre service organization, Theatre Bay Area.
Kyle Stachnik, Cello
Cellist Kyle Stachnik recently graduated with a masters in Chamber Music at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music studying under Professor Jennifer Culp. Previously to SFCM, Kyle completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music with Professor Ross Harbaugh. As a chamber musician he has been able to perform with artists such as Andrés Cárdenes, Amy Schwartz Moretti, Marcy Rosen, Itamar Zorman, Dimitri Murrath, William Fedkenheuer, Dennis Kim, Chauncey Patterson, and Jodi Levitz. Around the Bay Area, Kyle can be seen as assistant principal cello of the Bay Philharmonic and performing regularly with the New Century Chamber Orchestra, Vallejo Festival Orchestra, and Modesto Symphony. Kyle also co-founded his own chamber music festival in Michigan named Viridian Strings and travels back every summer.
Javier Otalora, Viola
Javier Otalora, a Colombian-American violist, radiates passion and skill in the realms of orchestral, chamber, and contemporary music. His musical journey has seen him grace the stages of esteemed orchestras such as the Cincinnati, Detroit, Dallas, and St. Louis Symphony Orchestras, leaving audiences captivated by his artistry.
His dedication to musical exploration extends to his summers spent at renowned festivals including the Aspen Music Festival, Meadowmount School, Red Rocks Music Festival, the Dali Quartet International Music Festival, and the illustrious Spoleto Festival (USA). Currently, Otalora enriches the soundscape as a member of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (NY) during the summer months.
As a fervent music educator, Otalora imparts his knowledge and love for the violin and viola to students in Oberlin, Ann Arbor, and Cincinnati. His commitment to education was further exemplified by his receipt of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Career Grant, enabling him to lead a chamber program at the University of Panama for two summers.
Otalora's musical journey began at the age of six when he embarked on his violin studies. He honed his craft at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, studying under esteemed mentors such as Gregory Fulkerson, Sibbi Bernhardsson, Kirsten Docter, and Peter Slowik, earning his Bachelor’s Degree. He continued his pursuit of musical excellence at the University of Michigan, where he attained his Master’s Degree under the tutelage of Caroline Coade on a full scholarship.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Otalora finds joy in the company of his two cats and indulges in culinary exploration, particularly in the realm of Mexican cuisine, alongside his partner, Ellie. With each note he plays and each student he inspires, Javier Otalora continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
His dedication to musical exploration extends to his summers spent at renowned festivals including the Aspen Music Festival, Meadowmount School, Red Rocks Music Festival, the Dali Quartet International Music Festival, and the illustrious Spoleto Festival (USA). Currently, Otalora enriches the soundscape as a member of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (NY) during the summer months.
As a fervent music educator, Otalora imparts his knowledge and love for the violin and viola to students in Oberlin, Ann Arbor, and Cincinnati. His commitment to education was further exemplified by his receipt of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Career Grant, enabling him to lead a chamber program at the University of Panama for two summers.
Otalora's musical journey began at the age of six when he embarked on his violin studies. He honed his craft at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, studying under esteemed mentors such as Gregory Fulkerson, Sibbi Bernhardsson, Kirsten Docter, and Peter Slowik, earning his Bachelor’s Degree. He continued his pursuit of musical excellence at the University of Michigan, where he attained his Master’s Degree under the tutelage of Caroline Coade on a full scholarship.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Otalora finds joy in the company of his two cats and indulges in culinary exploration, particularly in the realm of Mexican cuisine, alongside his partner, Ellie. With each note he plays and each student he inspires, Javier Otalora continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Paul Kim, Violin & Viola
Denver native, Paul Kim is a versatile violinist who now performs in the Bay Area. Aside from his current position with the Modesto Symphony, Paul has performed with One Found Sound, California Symphony, and other orchestras in the region. In addition to performing the orchestral repertoire, Paul loves the collaborative and intimate aspect of chamber music and has performed an extensive array of chamber works at the Glenview Classical Music Series.
With a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Master of Music and a Professional Studies Certificate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Paul's education is as rich as the music he interprets. A pupil of Robyn Julyan, Charles Wetherbee, and Cordula Merks, he's also honed his craft being coached by the Takács, Carpe Diem, and Telegraph String Quartets.
Offstage, Paul finds joy in baking bread and hiking through the scenic California Bay Area, all the while listening to music ranging from Beethoven to Gabriel Kahane.
With a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Master of Music and a Professional Studies Certificate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Paul's education is as rich as the music he interprets. A pupil of Robyn Julyan, Charles Wetherbee, and Cordula Merks, he's also honed his craft being coached by the Takács, Carpe Diem, and Telegraph String Quartets.
Offstage, Paul finds joy in baking bread and hiking through the scenic California Bay Area, all the while listening to music ranging from Beethoven to Gabriel Kahane.
Dana Marie Chan, Piano
Dana Marie Chan is a collaborative pianist that performs in both the United States and Asia. She was the co-founder of the Intermission Orchestra at UCSD, the rehearsal pianist in Opera Parallele’s premiere production “Harriet’s Spirit” and Music Associate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College.
She received her Master’s degree in Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in Collaborative Piano, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California San Diego as a double major in Music - Piano Performance, and International Business.
Currently, she teaches piano and performs in the Bay Area as a collaborative pianist. She is also the Development and Finance Manager at San Francisco Performances.
She received her Master’s degree in Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in Collaborative Piano, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California San Diego as a double major in Music - Piano Performance, and International Business.
Currently, she teaches piano and performs in the Bay Area as a collaborative pianist. She is also the Development and Finance Manager at San Francisco Performances.
Composers & Speakers
Jose Vargas
Jose Daniel Vargas holds a Bachelors in Composition from the San
Francisco Conservatory of Music (24'). Growing up in Tucson, Arizona
Jose had an eclectic musical upbringing. He performed everything from
Beethoven to James Brown in his high school jazz band and a youth
orchestra. While attending the conservatory Jose had had his work
performed by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Cape Cod Pops
Orchestra, as well as by local performance groups like the San
Francisco Choral Artists, the International Orange Chorale, and the
American Bach Soloists. Today Jose teaches private music lessons,
works on commissions and passion projects, and loves to attend/perform
in live musical events.
Francisco Conservatory of Music (24'). Growing up in Tucson, Arizona
Jose had an eclectic musical upbringing. He performed everything from
Beethoven to James Brown in his high school jazz band and a youth
orchestra. While attending the conservatory Jose had had his work
performed by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Cape Cod Pops
Orchestra, as well as by local performance groups like the San
Francisco Choral Artists, the International Orange Chorale, and the
American Bach Soloists. Today Jose teaches private music lessons,
works on commissions and passion projects, and loves to attend/perform
in live musical events.
Cooper Grosscup
Born in ’94 and hailing from Chico California, Cooper Grosscup composes music for his friends and colleagues in the Bay Area and beyond. He studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under David Conte, where he has focused on composing modern works in a classical style. He is also a sought after piano teacher privately and at the Hamlin School as well as an app developer for the music pedagogy app, MusicianShip. As one of Insight’s resident composers, he strives to write music that opens people’s hearts and minds. As a dedicated educator he aims to connect audiences with their curiosity and bring them closer to the music.
Daniel Chang
Daniel Chang is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in the studio of David Higgs and a Ph.D. candidate in Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music. His research focuses include historical improvisation, the history of imitative counterpoint, harmonic practices of the 19th century, algorithmic approaches to musical composition, and Russian music theory. He began his music studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Preparatory Department where he studied composition with Michael Kaulkin and piano with June Choi Oh. He continued his education at the San Francisco Conservatory for a Bachelor of Musical Arts in composition, studying composition with David Conte and piano with Alla Gladysheva. Daniel served as organ scholar at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in San Francisco under Simon Berry. At Eastman, Daniel was awarded the Gerald Barnes Prize for excellence in pipe organ in 2017 and the Cochran Prize (for best recital) in 2020. His organ competition prizes include second prize in the 2022 National Young Artists’ Competition in Organ sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, the Peter Hurford Bach Prize in the 2021 St. Albans’ International Organ Competition, and Third Prize in the 2018 NYACOP. Daniel is the Director of Music at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Canandaigua, New York.
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