the musicians
Hanna Wolle, violin
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Hanna has established herself as a dynamic performer, chamber musician, and orchestral player in the Des Moines area. Hanna began playing the violin at the age of four with her father, a classically-trained violist. After playing throughout her childhood, Hanna pursued her academic interests and attended the University of Iowa, graduating with degrees in Economics and Chinese language. She returned to Des Moines to work at Principal and quickly launched her music career. Hanna won a first violin spot with the Des Moines Symphony in 2017 and also performs with fellow violinist Genevieve Salamone in the Dueling Fiddles. In 2017, Hanna was recognized as a finalist for the Juice YP Creative of the Year award and was honored as a 2017 Business Record Forty Under 40 recipient. Hanna and her husband, Matt, enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and biking, and taking care of their kitty Margo.
Robert Espe, violin
Raised in Independence, Iowa, Robert began studying music at the age of three with the Suzuki School at the University of Northern Iowa. Since graduating from UNI in 2011, his versatility as a classical, jazz, and pop artist has made him one of the most sought-after stage and studio musicians in Iowa. Beyond playing violin with Quartet 515 and the Des Moines Symphony, Robert is also an active saxophonist and mandolinist with ensembles such as the Des Moines Big Band, the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra, Choro Moingona, and the Max Wellman Big Band. He is also an on-call saxophonist with CO-based funk/soul band Eufórquestra and has shared the stage with international superstars such as the Eagles, Katy Perry, and The Temptations. In his free time, Robert enjoys hiking and camping, weightlifting, and board games with friends.
Patrick Riley, cello
Patrick is a cellist with Quartet 515. In addition to maintaining a private studio, Patrick performs regularly with the Des Moines Symphony and various local chamber ensembles, often engaged for area university and college operas, musicals, and choral productions. Patrick has also written and recorded string arrangements for Grammy nominees such as Shawn Mendes and Imagine Dragons, DJ trio Cheat Codes, and has recently performed live with artists such as The Eagles and Father John Misty. A movie buff, Patrick has also collaborated on numerous feature length, short film, and documentary soundtracks. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle locally and abroad.
Joyce Payer, viola
Joyce Payer holds a Bachelor of Music in Education and Master of Arts focused in string pedagogy from the University of Northern Iowa. Joyce began playing the viola in 4th grade through her public school orchestra, and has become a passionate advocate for equitable access to strong music programs for all students. Joyce is the Orchestra Director at Valley High School in West Des Moines Community Schools as well as a Teaching Artist of Violin and Viola at Drake University. In addition to her studio of students, she acts as a Director of the Zenith Chamber Music Festival and acted as the Interim Director of Orchestra at Drake University. In 2021, she was the the recipient of the Robert E. and Phyllis M. Yager Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award. Joyce frequently performs with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra as well as various other ensembles throughout the area. Outside of music, she loves to cook and travel.