St. Croix Valley String Collective

Maritsa Rosamilia’s extensive training in classical Viola Performance along with her versatility in the recording studio as a violinist, violist, singer-songwriter and composer, make her an valuable member of the St. Croix Valley String Collective. With prominent awards for creativity under her belt, most recently being a SparkPlug Foundation grantee, Maritsa’s innovation-driven perspective brings fresh new energy into any project she is involved with. 

Originally from Bulgaria, Maritsa took interest in music early on, singing Bulgarian folk songs and playing the violin. She specialized in Viola Performance in high school and at the age of 16, along with her immediate family, Maritsa moved to the United States.

She continued viola studies in Florida and Boston, earning a Bachelor in Viola Performance from Boston Conservatory and a Masters in Viola and Baroque performance from Longy School of Music of Bard College.

When Maritsa is not performing, teaching, or tinkering with new composition ideas, she enjoys attending to her raised bed during the summer. The garden features almost exclusively basil and cilantro as per request of her half-Italian husband James Rosamilia. Maritsa also loves spending time with her husband and their vocal and adventurous cat, Tom. 

Josh enjoys a diversity of work with a wide range of artists on stage and in the studio. He’s a member of The Laurels String Quartet, a recording engineer at his studio The SunTrap, and composer for his experimental solo project, Elamon.

Some of the artists with whom he’s had the pleasure of working include: Jeremy Messersmith, Dan Wilson (Taylor Swift, Adele), Kevin Gastonguay (Cory Wong), Belle & Sebastian, SEMISONIC, Chris Koza, The New Standards, Lucius, Father John Misty, Jason Mraz, Macklemore, Nico Muhly, Motion City Soundtrack, The Jonas Brothers, Kevin Bowe (Etta James, Paul Westerberg), Kat Perkins (The Voice), Sam Amidon, and Ondara.  

Josh has performed at LOCAL FAVORITES: First Avenue, Fitzgerald Theater, Surly Brewing Festival Field, Walker Art Center’s "Rock The Garden", State Theater, Target Center, Guthrie, Ordway NATIONAL VENUES: Barclays Center Stadium Brooklyn NY, Bridgestone Arena Nashville TN, Scotiabank Arena Toronto Canada, Capital One Arena Washington D.C. RADIO AND TV APPEARANCES: TPT Lowertown Lines, 89.3 The Current, Ed Sullivan Theater (Late Night with David Letterman), various commercial work, NPR

Josh currently balances work as a musician and general contractor/carpenter. Living in the St. Croix Valley has been a dream come true for him and his family. He loves the unique landscape and many river towns that afford endless exploration on foot and bicycle. Thankfully, there exists an abundance of fine local establishments to support Josh’s coffee and pastry habits. 

Benjamin Burgdorf performs extensively in classical, improvisational, and popular contexts. He is a tenured member of the Des Moines Symphony and has performed with numerous orchestras and string quartets. As an improviser and creator, his duo Wormwood explores improvised storytelling and interdisciplinary collaborations. In the pop world, he has shared the stage with Jeremy Messersmith, Dan Wilson, Dessa, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and more. 

"Mr. B" teaches Suzuki strings through his private lesson studio, Maple Strings, located just minutes north of downtown Stillwater. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in viola performance from the University of Minnesota and Boston University respectively and has trained extensively in Suzuki pedagogy. 

When not performing or teaching, you might find Benjamin digging in his garden and listening to the loons on Little Lake Carnelian, on a hike in William O'Brien State Park, kicking back at River Siren Brewing, sipping coffee at You and Me Cafe, or feverishly searching for the medallion during Lumberjack Days.

Minnesota native, James Rosamilia began his musical journey on the piano before being drawn to the cello at the age of ten. Growing up in the Stillwater and Marine area, his musical education was enriched by participation in the Minnesota Youth Symphonies and Artaria Chamber Music School. As first prize winner in both Thursday Musical and Schubert Club competitions, James was a beneficiary of the thriving musical scene in Minnesota.

Fascinated by the recording process, James loves being involved in recording projects on either side of the microphone. James has recorded cello for short films, apps, and full length albums as well as acted as recording engineer and videographer for records ranging from solo performers to full orchestra concerts.

James holds a Bachelors in cello performance from Longy School of Music and a Masters in cello performance from Yale University. 

Amanda Burgdorf is a cellist and singer who has performed on eclectic stages and rivers across the country.

Highlights of her music career include performing with the Delphia Cello Quartet, Improvestra, the Dessa 'Sound the Bells' Tour, and playing on a raft as a part of the Mississippi River Boat Ballet. 

Outside of music, Amanda works as a nurse for Lakeview Homecare and Hospice, an honor that continues to enrich her life with learning and meaningful connection with the St. Croix Valley community. She remains grateful for chances to watch river otters from within a canoe on the St. Croix, greet friends at farmers markets, and ski the paths of William O'Brien in the stillness of Winter.