Meet Our Team

A woman in short black hair playing a cello, dressed in black, with a focused expression, against a plain light background.

Helen Altenbach (she/they)

Cellist / LMFT/ Music Arranger/ Founding Member

A member of LA Opera Orchestra since 2010, Helen is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with creative individuals and multicultural couples’ therapy. Helen advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all domains of their life. Helen believes in sustainable economies and access to immersive healing musical experiences for all.

A woman with curly hair playing a cello, with a smile on her face.

Joy Payton-Stevens (she/her)

Cellist / MBA / Founding Member

Joy seeks to harness the power of art and creativity to have meaningful impact on the world. As a Business Strategist, Joy draws on a life spent in music when finding creative solutions to challenging problems. Joy is a former member of the Seattle Symphony and Charlotte Symphony.

A man in a purple shirt playing a cello, with happy expression.

Anthony Schnell (he/him)

Cellist / Educator / Musical Instrument Sales Rep @ Metzler Violins

Empowering others and creating a positive perspective of life circumstances through music. Anthony loves to share the world of music with anyone and everyone, whether it is through teaching, performance, or consulting on instruments to students and professionals.

A woman with dark long hair, glasses, and a black outfit playing a cello, with a focused expression.

Alexandria Abramian (she/her)

Writer / Publicist / Events Coordinator

An enthusiastic hobby cellist with a passion for small gatherings, Alex grew up playing cello in Los Angeles public schools and university. Now, after a 25-year career as a magazine editor, writer and publicist, she is able to return to her love of sharing the deep connection and meaning of music with others. 

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue velvet jacket, playing a cello, with a joyous expression.

Circe Diaz Gamero (she/her)

Cellist / Educator / Nature lover / Founding Member

Hailing from the renowned “El Sistema” music program in Venezuela, Circe is committed to building emotional and cultural bridges through the medium of folk and world music. Circe is an experienced cello teacher for all ages.

A young man with glasses playing a cello with a smile.

David Austerberry (he/him)

Systems engineer / Founding Member / Stargazer

Whether exploring the night sky with a star chart and a telescope, operating an Earth-imaging radar from a plane at JPL, or playing the cello, David enjoys coaxing performance out of instruments stringed and scientific. He can often be found visiting L.A’s natural wonders, museums, and vegan restaurants.

Young man wearing glasses, a green Carhartt beanie, and a blue hoodie plucking a cello and smiling.

Austin Kyan (he/him)

Veterinarian / Cellist / Music Arranger

Austin finds joy playing in ensembles and orchestras, always eager to step in wherever he’s needed. Though he occasionally plays other instruments, he’s happiest when returning to his roots as a cellist. Austin is currently pursuing a veterinary cardiology residency and enjoys arranging music in his free time.

A young woman playing a cello, wearing a coral dress with lace sleeves, with a focused expression.

Li-Han Eliza Tseng (she/her)

Cellist / Educator / Founding Member

Throughout her immigrant journey, Eliza discovered that music is an amazing communication tool that bridges cultures and social classes. Eliza is a passionate ensemble performer and a dedicated cello teacher. Eliza especially enjoys working with kids.

A young woman with long black hair playing a cello.

Marina Tseova (she/her)

Pianist / Cellist / Travel Enthusiast

A recent immigrant from Russia, Marina gives gratitude to a higher power for fulfilling her childhood dream of living in America. Her lived experiences manifest a deep connection to a rich inner world filled with wonder and expression through music. Marina is currently attending CSUN.

A smiling man with short, light brown hair and a beard, wearing a purple shirt, holding a cello indoors with a green, blurred background.

Dave Mergen (he/him)

Touring Cellist / Educator / Hiker / Founding Member

Whether on stage, in a recording studio, or touring with hit musicals, Dave is grateful for his rich and varied musical life. He can also be found hiking, summiting a mountain, or enjoying a desert sunset.

A woman with medium-length brown hair and red lipstick, smiling gently, rests her arms on a cello outdoors with blurred green foliage in the background.

Rachel Coosaia (she/her)

Cellist / Educator / Dog Mom

Rachel enjoys a diverse career as a performer, recording artist, and devoted cello teacher. When away from music, she’s navigating life under the watchful supervision of her three dogs, Pepper Ann, Gus Junior, and Adhi.

Ryan Phipps (he/him)

Cellist / Educator / Karaoke Enthusiast

In addition to his diverse performing career in multiple genres and settings, Ryan shares his passion for teaching with school programs all over LA. Ryan also teaches privately and at Occidental College. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys spending time with friends and the occasional Karaoke bar adventure.

Alexander Segal (he/him)

Retired Cellist / Instrument Dealer / Foodie

Alex believes that once a cellist, always a cellist, it's more a sensible state of mind… “And it's amazing what a little rosin will do!” 

Alex is a former member of The Philadelphia Quartet in Seattle and is currently a dealer of fine stringed instruments.

A young man with curly black hair, glasses, and a light beard holding a cello, smiling at the camera against a dark wooden background.

Alex Mansour (he/him)

Composer / Cellist / Jazz Pianist

Alex seeks to collaborate with a broad spectrum of creatives to generate work that inspires and heals. Alex regularly composes for film, plays concert music, and is a session recording musician.