We love to hear stories of meaningful collaboration between the arts in our community, and today we explore the meshing of sounds, both shimmering & poetic, that can only be invoked by the enchanting partnership of Miramar & Rosette.

Miramar’s vocalists, Rei Alvarez & Laura Ann Singh, and musical director, Marlysse Simmons, shared their thoughts on collaborating along with Rosette’s violinists, Treesa Gold & Ellen Cockerham Riccio. The two groups first joined forces in 2016 for an album dedicated to composer, Sylvia Rexach. For their upcoming Valentine’s Day Event, a live show at The Crown Room, complete with bubbly and dinner, they weighed in on what one can expect.

Read ahead for the members of Miramar & Rosette’s words:

Culture Works: Who are you and what are your connections to your respective projects?
Laura Ann Signh, Rei Alvarez, & Marlysse Simmons of Miramar: Rei Alvarez (vocalist), Laura Ann Singh (vocalist), and Marlysse Simmons (piano, organ, and musical director of Miramar).
Treesa Gold of Rosette: I'm Treesa Gold. I am a member of the Richmond Symphony, a member of the lovely string quartet Rosette, and a former member of the rock band Goldrush. I'm also the concertmaster of Opera on the James.
Ellen Riccio of Rosette: My name is Ellen Cockerham Riccio and I'm Principal Second Violin of the Richmond Symphony--that's the main gig for me, and the reason I moved to Richmond--but honestly, I think the only thing that matters in this case is that I'm the first violinist of Rosette. 

CW: Tell me a bit about Miramar & Rosette! What are these projects/How did they get started?
LAS: We asked Rosette to record the string arrangements for our album dedicated to Sylvia Rexach released in 2016, and that started our collaborations.
TG: From back when I played in a rock band, I knew the players in Miramar (as many of them were in Bio Ritmo and other bands). We would hang out, and I always adored all of them. Then, when I was doing a recording session one day and they wanted strings, I, of course, brought along my favorite players. Marlysse writes beautiful parts for strings and I happen to know beautiful string players.  It works really well.  We enjoy each other as musicians and as people. That really makes for a good situation.
ER: Rosette is a string quartet that formed back in 2015. We all met through our work with Classical Revolution RVA, and found that we loved playing with each other. We really enjoy playing in places that aren't considered traditional classical music venues. We've performed in bakeries, cafes, bars, art galleries, recording studios, and living rooms. 

I first met Marlysse through Treesa back in 2013 when Bio Ritmo needed a few string players on one of their albums. (This is also how I first met my now husband, Giustino Riccio, who plays percussion with Miramar.) I think it was this connection that got Marlysse thinking that strings would make a great addition to Miramar's sound. Over the years, she has created more and more string arrangements. 

CW: What do you feel is important and/or unique about your projects?
RA: We craft music that consists of a nowadays rare form of romantic and poetic sensibility.
LAS: Miramar plays nostalgic music. Even when we are playing originals, there is a quality of familiarity, nostalgia. When Rosette joins us for a live performance, the sound shimmers. I think it's a really unique experience.
TG: I can't tell you what exactly it is that makes this magic come to life, but I can tell you with 100% honesty that when I'm in the room, there is something different that happens for these projects.  I play a lot of music.  Every day.  It's what I do!  And I love it.  But when I get to play with Miramar and Rosette, I really feel something completely different that wakes up in my soul, in my consciousness.  This is a reason to leave the house.  This is something special.  And I would do it again and again, as many times as we're asked.
ER: Speaking about Rosette specifically, I think what makes us unique is that we are a string quartet that carries ourselves more like a band. We want to be present in the Richmond music scene in a way that is approachable and accessible and alluring. When we perform, each member of the quartet speaks to the audience. That is unique.

CW: How have you felt your projects connect with the community around you?
MS: I love that we are bringing boleros and a different style of music to people unfamiliar with it. Introducing the composer Sylvia Rexach, the style of music, the culture that it came from to new people is rewarding, beyond the fun of just playing live music and performing for people who want to hear what we do.
RA: The music itself can convey feeling and emotion. This makes a connection with those who love music easy; there is a mutual inspiration. Even though the singing may be in a foreign language, the essence of the music is palpable and its own language universal.
TG: I can only speak on behalf of Rosette in this respect, but when Rosette plays we really have the opportunity to talk to our audience before, during and after each show.  It's really a powerful thing to get to know the people that are experiencing this music with you as you're playing it.
ER: I suppose there are a number of ways this question could be answered, but I will mention something that is perhaps obvious! The very collaboration of Miramar with Rosette is a collision of worlds, musically speaking. That leads to a natural crossover of audiences.

CW: What does this collaboration between Miramar & Rosette mean to you?
LAS: I feel really lucky to be able to do this kind of work with people I love. I feel like that comes through in the music, that we are really happy to be doing this, creating something beautiful together. It also makes me really proud that there are so many women in the two groups, and that we play the music of so many women composers. 
RA: It means the possibility of imbuing our music with magic. It's a beautiful pairing.
TG: It is my happy place.  May it always be a part of my life.
ER: It is truly one of the most enjoyable musical experiences in my life. The luscious string sound of Rosette, the sultry harmonies of Laura Ann and Rei, Marlysse's gorgeous arrangements, the overall groove and vibe of the band...it all comes together in a way that feels so right. 

CW: For someone who is not familiar with these projects, what can they expect when they come out to your Valentine event?
LAS: To be enchanted! 
RA: Ambience! Wonderfully arranged songs of nostalgia of the heart.
MS: The first time hearing Miramar, you'll be hypnotized by Laura Ann and Rei, asking yourself, “How do they sing together like that? How do those harmonies even work together? Why am I feeling nostalgic about everything in my life?" Then you’ll notice there is a very cool band holding it together behind them, and slowly realize, "Wow, there is actually a full string quartet and they are even more amazing!" It's a trip.
TG: A good time.  Magical music that will transport you into a place in your consciousness.  It will wake you up to a joy that you may have lost over these last two years.  It certainly does for me.

CW: Where do you look for inspiration days, and how do you stay inspired?
LAS: Looking forward to where we are going and what we are going to do. I stay inspired looking ahead.
RA Inspiration comes to those who naturally seek beauty, and that feeds the need to create.
MS: My son and working with other musicians and really anyone who is passionate about what they do. That always keeps me inspired.
ER: I think giving yourself time and space is what makes room for inspiration. For the last few months, I've been pretty strict with myself about taking the same day off every week--not logging into email, no social media, no work, actually. One of my favorite things to do on that day off is to sit in front of my bookshelf and take one down that piques my interest. Once you can get in touch with your own curiosity, the world opens up.

CW: What does arts and culture mean to you? Why does it matter?
RA: Arts and culture are the manifestations of people who would color their environment with beloved customs, and give it a beauty and flavor that sets it apart. 
LAS: Anything that gets people out of their routines of daily life work. Anything that causes people to pause and open their hearts or minds to something new, beautiful, or different. The arts shape culture, and push back against the daily grind.
ER: Arts and culture is a way for us as a society to consider what it means to be alive, to be human. That is tremendously valuable. It's also a way for us to express things that we aren't able to articulate in any sort of direct way, which is such a relief. 

Miramar & Rosette perform a SOLD-OUT show at The Crown Room on Monday, February 14th.
A limited number if walk-ins will be available!

To keep up with Miramar: https://miramar-music.com/
To keep up with Rosette: https://www.facebook.com/rosetteSQ/