About us

Mich Sampson is a lively folk-acoustic performer from London's East End, wooing her audience with warm vocals and a deft touch on the piano. Guest of honour at Georgia's GAFilk music convention in 2004 and at the British Filk Convention in 2006, her unique style is best described as Tori Amos meets Joni Mitchell with a splash of spirituality.

Marilisa Valtazanou was born in Iowa, raised in Greece and now lives in London; she celebrates her multinational background by having a song in an obscure language for every occasion. She will attempt to play any instrument that is foolishly left in her path, and she occasionally writes songs, but mainly she sings in a vivid, memorable alto that demands attention.

Together they form Playing Rapunzel, an energetic duo who share, in rich, powerful harmony, songs of story and myth, and things that might have been. They are available for folk and acoustic gigs, charity concerts and special occasions, and can be contacted at rapunzel AT playingrapunzel.com.

In their mythical spare time, M and M also perform with a local Gilbert and Sullivan society, sing in the chamber group The Erato Consort, and support activities in the filk music community. In addition, they have day jobs, and Mich is training as a choir director. Oh, and they occasionally sleep.

"No need to say that I have become a Mich & Marilisa junkie.
Is there a cure? If there is, I don't want it. They were just so good."
(Juliane Honisch)