About Art of Elan
Known for its collaborative spirit, Art of Elan has been pioneering unique events and bringing exciting classical music to diverse audiences for over 16 years through innovative partnerships and bi-national initiatives that have cultivated curious audiences on both sides of the border. Its consistent track record of sold-out performances stems from its commitment to commissioning new work, collaborating with world class artists and composers, programming engaging and thought-provoking concerts, and expanding its impact in the region through thoughtful community engagement programs. By drawing inspiration from the word élan, which represents momentum, style, and spirit, Art of Elan continues to engage and energize audiences in new ways.
Mission
The mission of Art of Elan is to build community through music and enrich the cultural life of San Diego by presenting exciting and exceptional chamber music concerts, simultaneously educating and exposing diverse audiences to classical music through innovative programming, the commissioning of new works, unique performance venues and personal connections with concertgoers.
Board of Directors
James Chute, chair
Claude Benchimol
T. Hampton Dohrman
Kate Hatmaker
Greg Markow
Cynthia Obadia
Peter Otto
Ann Preisman
James Robbins
Advisory Board
W. Gregory Berton
Gordon Brodfuehrer
Elizabeth Brown
Kathleen Charla
Harold Fuson
Pam Fuson
Jory Herman
Barbara Katz
Jennifer Luce
Demarre McGill
Deborah Pate
Tommy Phillips
Toni Robin
Jeanette Stevens
Debra Thomas
Alan Ziter
Demarre McGill and Kate Hatmaker, co-founders
Meet the Team
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Kate Hatmaker
Executive & Artistic Director
Violinist Kate Hatmaker enjoys a varied career as performer, educator and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder, Executive and Artistic Director of Art of Elan and has been a tenured violinist with the San Diego Symphony since 2006. Ms. Hatmaker has been a featured soloist with a wide variety of North American orchestras, including the San Diego Symphony, and has performed at the Vail International Dance Festival, La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest, and the Breckenridge Music Festival, among others. She has served on the faculty at the University of California-San Diego and the Coronado School of the Arts, and is a frequent chamber music recitalist, guest clinician, and keynote speaker.
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Fiona Digney
Managing Director & Producer
Fiona is an Australian-born percussionist, producer, and educator who holds both education and performance degrees including a doctorate degree in percussion performance from UCSD. As Artistic Producer for international music residencies, Fiona has had the honor of working with the ICEnsemble, JACK Quartet, George Lewis, Peter Sellars, John Adams, and Tyshawn Sorey, among others. Fiona is also the executive producer and artistic administrator for the Ojai Music Festival.
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Anahita Pestonjamasp
Accounting & Donor Relations Coordinator
Anahita Pestonjamasp is a flutist and educator based in San Diego. She earned her Master of Music degree from the Mannes School of Music at The New School, and her Bachelor of Music degree at San Diego State University. During her studies, Anahita performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall, Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center, and Copley Symphony Hall. In addition to performing and teaching, she currently supports the flute community by serving as Vice President for the San Diego Flute Guild’s Board.
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Emily Persinko
Personnel Manager & Marketing Associate
Awarded the San Diego State University School of Music and Dance Alumnus to Watch in 2020, Emily Persinko supports the Southern California music community through various arts administrator roles for performing arts organizations, which have included the San Diego Symphony, Art of Elan, La Jolla Music Society, San Diego Youth Symphony, Ojai Music Festival, and San Diego State University School of Music and Dance. Emily currently leads the artistic operations of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and is also Art of Elan’s Personnel Manager and Marketing Associate.
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Vince Martinez
Graphic Design & Marketing
A graduate of The School of Art and Design at San Diego State University, Vince has served the arts and education nonprofit sector as a graphic design and marketing consultant for over 21 years, working with organizations such as The San Diego Asian Film Festival, Balboa Park Cultural District, CoTA Collaborations, and transcenDANCE, and he is also Art of Elan’s graphic designer and social media coordinator. Vince is particularly passionate about creative work for nonprofits and currently serves as board president of NEST (Nurturing Exceptional Students and Teachers), a nonprofit in La Mesa, CA.
