About the members
Dan Leich
Dan is a multi-genre violinist & violist who started playing music at the age of four. Classically trained, his repertoire includes orchestral, chamber, bluegrass fiddle and Americana classics. He studied with Dr. Yeou-Cheng Ma and Michael Dadap of The Children's Orchestra Society in New York, performing solo and ensemble works across the New York metro area. He is a composer and arranger of music primarily for strings, with several of his works performed by the quartet. Dan is additionally a member of The Blue Ridge Orchestra in Asheville, NC, and The Woodshed Collective - a small group of musicians who frequently jam together to enjoy their love of American folk.
Mari Hashimoto
Mari is a highly skilled musician, specializing in both violin and viola. With over 20 years of performing experience, she has played throughout the East Coast of the United States and in Europe, including at the National ASTA Conference. She has received training from renowned instructors such as Donna Vandiver, Patricia Barber, Sarah Johnson, a former student of Ivan Galamian, and Miles Hoffman, founder and violist of the American Chamber Players. Additionally, Mari has participated in Masterclasses by esteemed musicians such as the Cavani String Quartet, the Stradivari Quartet, James Ehnes, Jonathon Kramer, and Vadim Gluzman.
Vivian Torres
A classically trained musician, experienced educator and Alexander Technique teacher, Vivian has a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Artist Diploma in Music Performance from Florida International University and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. She is also a certified Alexander Technique teacher from the Philadelphia School for the Alexander Technique where she learned how to help performers relieve chronic pain and performance anxiety. Vivian has performed with the Miami Symphony, South Florida Symphony, Dominican Republic Sinfonia and has performed alongside well known artists such as Bjork, Usher and Pitbull. She is a founding member of the ensemble Musical Fairytales that is a mashup of popular classical repertoire performed alongside a narration of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. She is currently performing with the Blue Ridge Orchestra.
Zo Taddie
At ten years old Zo Taddie found the cello thanks to the music program at her public school. She studied with Charles Griffith of the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and played in many youth orchestras and chamber groups in Cleveland, Ohio. She has raised three fine young musicians, and had the thrilling experience of playing in a string quartet with her two talented daughters. She currently teaches, and plays with the Blue Ridge Orchestra.
