By: Elizabeth Elliott
Carmelita de la Guardia is known as the "Queen of International Cabaret." "Strings and Roses" is the musical ensemble that features the voice of Carmelita and violin performance by Richard Ness. The combination of voice, violin, and the digital orchestral back up is a sound you will not want to miss. Carmelita is fluent in Italian, Spanish and English. Her performances include songs sung in these languages as well as French. In addition to her songs, de la Guardia incorporates Flamenco dancing which she learned while living in Mexico. Carmelita has performed at Carnegie Hall and other well-known venues. In addition to her musical skills, she is an accomplished model and won numerous pageants including the 2003 Mrs. Omaha Award, and First Runner Up in the Mrs. Nebraska Beauty Pageant. She received the Mrs. Nebraska America Performing Arts Award in 2006. It was renamed as the Carmelita de la Guardia Performing Arts Award in her honor in 2007. Carmelita said she gets to present it to someone every year... Carmelita volunteers for charitable organizations and has done benefit concerts supporting things such as the Holy Family Shrine, the ALS Foundation and Dystonia research. She's also involved in performing music at health care centers and will be working with the music therapy program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Carmelita has two CDs featuring her music... Rick and Carmelita have studio time blocked to press out a Strings and Roses CD soon... Her latest CD, "Enchanting Voice," features two songs written by Carmelita. The CD has well known pieces such as "La Vie en Rose," "The Prayer," "Unforgettable," and "Time to Say Goodbye." You may obtain your copy of the CD at Homers, or by visiting her website: www.carmelitadelaguardia.com Richard "Rick" Ness has been a concert violinist for over 43 years. He received his training with private instructors with the Minnesota Orchestra then attended the Conservatory of Music in Wheaton Illinois. Rick studied with Sonia Gallian and David Taylor, both graduates of the Julliard School of Music. Rick has performed as a soloist, member of string quartets, and with over 29 Symphonies. He has performed with Dave Brubeck and his sons, The Moody Blues, Kansas, and Colcannon. Balancing his career in the financial arena with the creative and music performance activities of Strings and Roses has added a wonderful dimension to life. Strings and Roses may be booked for performances such as corporate events, wine tastings, weddings, and any event you wish to add a nice touch of class! Carmelita and Rick also enjoy providing music for nursing homes, pain clinics... "Our music lifts the spirit, reduces pain, and brings up many fond memories." You may hear Strings and Roses first hand on the 24th of March at Lo Sole Mio Villa Banquet Room, 3020 South 32nd Ave. in Omaha. The restaurant is featuring their Spring Wine Dinner. The dinner celebrates National Italian Heritage Month. The price is $65 per person and includes entertainment by Strings and Roses. You may make your reservation by calling Lo Sole Mio at 345-5656. We hope to see you there!
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