Three Violins in Conversation
An evening of romance and fire, where three violins share stories through songs—sometimes in harmony, sometimes in playful duels. From tender melodies to dazzling exchanges, the music invites you to listen in on a conversation of passion and joy.
Pei-Chun Tsai from Tainan, Taiwan, winner of the Taiwan National Violin Competition, made her debut at the Weill Recital Hall in Manhattan, and has enjoyed summers at the Alfred, Encore, Yellow Barn, and Taos festivals as well as the International Holland Music Sessions. Joseph Fuchs, Daniel Phillips, and Harvey Shapiro have been her teachers and mentors in the United States. She is the founding director of the Campanile Music Festival at San Diego State University and has been a member of the San Diego Symphony since 2005 in addition to being violin lecturer at SDSU. She released an album of solo violin works entitled “Chaconne” in 2021 highlighting Baroque and contemporary masterpieces of this form. Pei-Chun holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts degree from City University of New York, with Bachelor and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School. She performs on a violin by Boston luthier Charline Dequincy, and a bow made by Abe Liebhaber in San Diego.
Described as “outstanding” (Martín Llade, Melómano music magazine), L’Étoile Violin Duo was created by violinists Hsin-Lin Tsai and Miguel Pérez-Espejo Cárdenas, as a result of their love for chamber music and, in particular, to explore, develop and expand the violin duo literature.
They perform throughout the United States, Europe and Taiwan, including invitations from the Instituto Cervantes of New York City and its Director, distinguished writer Antonio Muñoz Molina, to present Spain in Chamber Music, a four-recital cycle; performances on the European Day of Music celebrations in live radio broadcasts throughout Europe; and CD recordings with the RTVE MUSICA label, of the National Radio of Spain.
Described as “sublime” by distinguished composer Augusta Read Thomas, their playing is characterized by their elegant, artistic style, superb ensemble technique, and unique ability to bring the personality of music they perform to life. Their versatility is illustrated by their wide repertoire, ranging from the Baroque period to the music of our time. In this respect, L’Étoile Violin Duo has an unwavering commitment to the championing of new works. Augusta Read Thomas, David Lefkowitz, Michael Ippolito and Spanish composer José Zárate are among the contemporary composers whose music is at the core of L’Étoile’s repertoire. The new works they perform cover a broad scope, from abstract tonal such as Read Thomas’ Double Helix, to the expressionistic style best represented by Zárate’s “Little Nice Pieces”, dedicated and written for L’Étoile. The Duo received the Granoff Music Fund Grant and presented the world premiere of Kareem Roustom’s “Reflections & Refractions”, written for and commissioned by L’Étoile. They are creators and Co-Artistic Directors of The Renewal Series: Concerts in Dialogue with Art and Audience, a unique project of their creation in partnership with Granoff Music Center, Pucker Gallery, and Boston Arts Academy, combining music, dance, literature and the visual arts. Recent and upcoming engagements include performances and master classes in the United States, Spain and Taiwan, most recently at Kaohsiung Municipal Senior High School and Taipei National University of the Arts.
In addition to their performing, L’Étoile Violin Duo is deeply committed to education. They are dedicated teachers whose students are First Prize winners and laureates in national and international competitions. Through master classes, residencies and community engagement concerts, L’Étoile reaches audiences of all social and cultural backgrounds, fostering communication and understanding through a kaleidoscope of extraordinary music. For more information, please visit www.perezespejo.com/letoileduo.html.
Dr. Randy Kamen is a psychologist, life coach, educator and author of her bestselling books, Behind the Therapy Door: Simple Strategies to Transform Your Life and The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal: 90 Days to Rewire Your Brain. She pioneered new territory in mind-body medicine at Boston University’s School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kamen leads global online programs, workshops and retreats for families, corporations, hospitals and academic institutions. She weaves together researched based skills and strategies for mind management, self-regulation, healthy relationships, personal leadership, and living your vision in her unique systematic and transformational approach.
Known for her “emotional intensity” (Los Angeles Times), Icelandic cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir moves fluidly between centuries-old repertoire and spontaneous creation. As a soloist, she has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and Iceland Symphony, and appeared at Carnegie Hall, Elbphilharmonie, and Disney Hall. Her recordings include Marrow, a critically acclaimed interpretation of Bach’s six cello suites (“a front runner among recent recordings” — The Arts Desk); Vernacular, a collection of Icelandic works for solo cello; and Quake, a Grammy-nominated concerto by Páll Ragnar Pálsson. A passionate advocate for new music, she has premiered and recorded works by composers including Daníel Bjarnason and Anna Thorvaldsdóttir. Sæunn is the founder of The Music Portal, a virtual concert space for her improvisations, and the creator of Soul Resonance, a 1:1 musical experience inspired by each client’s emotional landscape. She has held faculty positions at the University of Washington and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Artistic Advisor of the Við Djúpið Music Festival as well as the newly appointed Artistic Director of Tertulia, NYC. When not performing, you can find her in her homeland or traveling the world searching for the perfect pain au chocolat. 
Gloria Simoneaux is the founding director of Harambee Arts, an expressive arts organization and training program based in sub-Saharan Africa and Nepal. More than 45 years as a dedicated expressive arts therapist has led her to focus on supporting women and children who have been traumatized by crises including illness, autistic spectrum disorder, poverty, violence, natural disaster, incarceration and trafficking. She has a degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from The California Institute of Integral Studies, in addition to a BFA from The Cooper Union.
Ilene Brenner Schaffer fell in love with The Ranch in the 70s as a young girl when her dad was a regular speaker on holistic health. She is thrilled to return to share her expertise in life transitions and positive psychology (the science of wellbeing). Ilene’s greatest joy is helping clients flourish through life’s constant changes. She loves witnessing someone’s confidence grow as they embrace their strengths, deepen relationships, and step into their power zone. In addition to her life coaching practice, she leads a global executive coaching firm dedicated to leadership and well-being. She is also the host of the weekly podcast “What’s Possible.” Ilene is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, has a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a focus in Life Transitions from the University of San Francisco. She is a mom to two young adult daughters and lives in San Diego with her husband where she regularly enjoys a great beach walk with friends, family, and clients.
Lorraine Desser Schulze is a seasoned yoga and mindfulness teacher with 25 years of practice. She completed her 200-hour training at Pure Yoga (2011) and a 500-hour Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training at Spirit Rock (2013), with advanced trainings in the U.S. and India. Blending somatic movement, breathwork, and meditation, her teaching supports emotional release, strength, and self-discovery. Lorraine also leads international retreats that offer space for deep connection, healing, and joy. A nature-loving, plant-based cook and devoted dog mom, she brings warmth, humor, and heart — inviting students to grow with curiosity, compassion, and renewed inspiration.
Michelle Dozois, a certified fitness, nutrition and life coach, believes in the transformative power of living life fit. Her DVDs have sold over 4 million copies and she has trained instructors in more than 14 countries. She has been a trusted voice for major health brands like Nautilus, Prevention, Shape, Jenny Craig & Weight Watchers.In 2010, Michelle co-founded the groundbreaking Break thru Fitness, a haven for fitness and innovative programming. Transitioning her magic online, Michelle’s BeFIT Studio and The Peak Fit Challenge make fitness globally accessible.With a range of certifications from numerous organizations such as ACE, NASM, Stott Pilates and more, Michelle infuses her coaching with boundless energy, fun and passion. Her decades of experience in health and fitness have transformed millions of lives, empowering each individual to live a fit, healthy and happy life.
Shayne Morgan was born and raised in San Diego and graduated from UCSD. Though raised traditionally, her Mother introduced her to Meditation at a young age, Shayne has lived in Aspen, CO and taught Yoga and Meditation for over 30 years. Currently she teaches at the Aspen Institute, on The World, a private super yacht, and has taught at Rancho La Puerta over 20 times. She had a studio in Snowmass and took groups on Yoga Retreats in CO, Mexico, the Caribbean and Yoga for Competitive Cyclists in CA. Yoga for EveryBODY and Meditation: It’s Not What You Think, makes these practices accessible for beginners as well as regular practitioners.
Shanti Tilling is a leading personal trainer and fitness instructor, shaping the lives of clients around the globe. She has spent the last 25 years training indoors and outside, flying internationally with corporate clients, and 7 years as the onsite fitness instructor for 2 major film studios. Shanti travels domestically and internationally leading workshops and corporate wellness programs. Shanti has also been the face of numerous fitness products and has been featured in SHAPE Magazine, ATHLETA and CHEVEROLET ad campaigns.
Connie Lagerhausen has been an aquatic fitness professional, swim coach and swim instructor for over three decades and has been certified in all areas of aquatics which gives her a well-rounded background in swimming and aqua fitness. Connie specializes in aqua aerobics, aqua running, aqua yoga, endurance swimming, aquatic personal training, private adult swim lessons, and more recently aqua cycling and paddleboard fitness and yoga. She has recently relocated after 29 years in Arizona to Wisconsin where she spent the last several years developing unique adult aquatic swim and fitness programs and is now helping to develop similar programs for the YMCA at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc, WI. Certifications include: AEA, 200 RYT, Aqua Yoga and EBFA Barefoot Level One specialist. She has presented numerous continuing education workshops for FitnessFest, AquaCon, SCW Mania and IAFC.
Steve Ross is a nationally recognized Grandmaster and expert in self-defense, martial arts education, and creative leadership, with over five decades of experience empowering individuals and building transformative programs. As Founder and President of the United State Tang Soo Do Association and Owner of the Orange County Academy of Martial Arts, Steve has led award-winning initiatives that promote safety, discipline, and personal development.
Los Angeles-based choreographer and instructor Aakansha Maheshwari created BollyPop with the intention to spread happiness through dance. Growing up in India, Aakansha trained in various Indian dance forms – from ancient classical dance from the temples to gypsy folk dance of the snake charmer community. Aakansha has spent years training with the masters and brings different styles together in her program, BollyPop, which is currently offered in California, Utah and India! She has choreographed for The Academy Museum, Clippers games, LA Kings games, and her business was recently selected as one of the six Asian businesses in Los Angeles to be featured in a Google commercial. Aakansha works with a few non-profit organizations in India and spends time with children in the underprivileged communities, teaching dance and music. Her devotion towards her art is solely for the purpose of spreading happiness.
At the age of 19, Stephanie Herman became George Balanchine Principal Ballerina, working with Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov on some of the world’s most prominent stages. Further training in New York City included the disciplines of Pilates, the Gyrotonic Expansion System®, yoga and more.
Pianist Natalie Dalschaert has performed on television, coached actors and has been a production musician for the shows Star Trek: The Next Generation, Perfect Strangers, JAG, Wings, and Song of the Lark. Ms. Dalschaert has performed on many concert series with her husband, flutist Brice Martin. Performances include the Sundays at Four radio broadcasts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Redlands Bowl, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Tech and for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee concerts. A lover of musical theater, Natalie has been musical director and pianist for numerous shows with the Los Angeles Youth Theater. Additional concerto performances include appearances with the Chautauqua Festival Orchestra and the Toulouse Orchestra in France. Natalie is a sought-after pianist and accompanist for recitals, competitions, master classes and social events. Natalie has an active teaching studio and is a member of the Music Teachers Association of California. A number of her students have won concerto competitions and MTAC festivals. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Juilliard School in New York and her Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California, where she received the Koldofsky Memorial Scholarship.
Brice Martin’s formal training includes degrees from The Julliard School and the University of Southern California. He is an active studio musician and plays for film, TV and commercial soundtracks. He has played for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Grammy Awards Orchestra, Star Trek: Voyager, and the Wonderful World of Disney. Brice is also a composer and has written music for film and television. He specializes in woodwinds and has a large collection of exotic woodwinds from around the world.
Brahmani Liebman MSEd ERYT is co- creator of Journey Into Yoga Teacher Training RYS and retreats as well as the CD Journey Into Yoga: Awakening the Spirit. On faculty of the Kripalu Yoga School of Yoga, she brings over 40 years of studies and experience teaching classes, training teachers, and leading worldwide teacher trainings and retreats. Strongly influenced by her studies in Yoga, meditation, Buddhism, the integrative healing arts and where they intersect informs her life & teaching as she invites her students to use these wisdom traditions to live their true, authentic life. Believing in people’s ability to access healing and inner knowing, Brahmani offers tangible and sustainable ways to live a spiritual life.
Alex Freuman, MS, BA, is a high school STEM teacher who holds a BA in mathematics from Oberlin College and an MS in mathematics education from Hunter College in New York City. At Oberlin, Alex was a founding member of the Juggling Club, where he honed many circus skills, including fire juggling, fire eating and balancing tricks. Also, a long-time chess and puzzle enthusiast, Alex coaches the chess team at Nyack Highschool (Nyack, NY), is faculty advisor for the Nyack Highschool Puzzle Club, is the founder and President of the Rockland County Chess Club, and is a certified US Chess Tournament Director. His current United States Chess Federation (UCSF) rating is 1900, and he hopes to break 2000 before his children beat him to it. Alex is passionate about creating community and fostering multi-generational connections through the joy of chess.
Tamara Duker Freuman, MS, RDN, CDN is a New York-based registered dietitian, author and America’s Trusted Digestive Nutrition Expert. A nationally-known authority on nutrition therapy for digestive diseases, Tamara is a member of New York Gastroenterology Associates, a private Manhattan-based practice. She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and completed her training at Mount Sinai Medical Center. In addition to her clinical work, Tamara is a high-profile nutrition writer whose advice on healthy living and dietary management of digestive disease is read by hundreds of thousands of people each month via leading online media platforms. She has been featured in leading TV, print and radio/podcast media, including TV’s Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan, Inside Edition, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, Prevention, Women’s Health, The Huffington Post, CNN.com, SELF.com, and Business Insider. She is the author of the acclaimed book, The Bloated Belly Whisperer(St. Martin’s Press, 2018).