Our History and Mission

The late Rosemarie and Robin Russell together organized numerous concerts and events on Roosevelt Island in New York City; they wanted to encourage music education and appreciation. In the spring we looked forward to Irish music and dancing. In summer we enjoyed jazz on Meditation Steps. Rosemarie and Robin brought world-class artists such as the guitarist Elliot Fisk, the Guarneri Quartet, and Ruth Laredo. Robin spoke about organizing a concert series that would bring music to Roosevelt Island on a regular basis.

After Rosemarie passed away, Robin continued their mission on Roosevelt Island and founded the Island Arts Music School. He established programs with the new Roosevelt Island communities at Southtown and Octagon. He had just started Musikids, a music and dance experience class for toddlers. Music was the catalyst and the reward. Robin was the director, secretary, accountant and one of the teachers at the school. Robin died unexpectedly in February, 2007, leaving our community at a tremendous loss.

In 2007, staff and students of Island Arts Music School rallied together to hold three events: a concert in Robin’s memory, a final student recital dedicated to Robin and a holiday event presented as a gift from the musicians to the community. The audiences responded warmly with appreciation, enthusiasm, and support in remembrance of what the Russell Family brought to Roosevelt Island.

In 2008, we established The Rosemarie and Robin Russell Family Concert Series with two spring and two fall concerts. As one of four founders, Marianne Lau organized the Series and secured initial funding with grants from City and State agencies.

In addition to the public concerts, Public Outreach Performances are held around the time of each concert. These informal events at community centers on the Island, including Coler Campus and Goldwater Campus of Coler-Goldwater Hospital, are designed to provide residents the opportunity to learn about the music, to talk with the musicians and to hear excerpts from the concert program beforehand. R&R Concerts brings the joy of world-class musical performance to people who might not otherwise be able to be a part of it.

R&R Concerts Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit in New York State in 2009.

R&R Concerts Inc.

Board of Directors
Ralph Allen  Treasurer
Marc Diamond  Chair
Iris Jortner  Executive and Artistic Director