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 Beginnings
Our original orchestra was known as the Troy Community Orchestra (TCO) and functioned between December 1982 and May 1994. After the TCO disbanded, violinist Paula Savaglio sought to find a new Director and a place to hold rehearsals. Her perseverance eventually led her to the Royal Oak Neighborhood Schools, where she met Mr. Peter Tolias of Kimball High School, who became the director/conductor of the orchestra. The first rehearsal was held in September of 1995. The membership of the orchestra is comprised of residents from Royal Oak and surrounding communities. Our group members come from a variety of professions, and greatly enjoy playing and bringing music to the Royal Oak area. We are celebrating our 14th year in the Royal Oak area.
 Music Director/ConductorJohn Robertson teaches orchestra for the Berkley School District and is music director for the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. He is also active as a violinist and has performed with a number of orchestras in Michigan and Connecticut.
In 1991, he began undergraduate studies in music at The Hartt School. His teachers include Mitchell Stern of the Orpheus Chamber Ensemble, Eugene Drucker of the Emerson String Quartet, and renowned conductor and violinist Sydney Harth. He also completed extensive coursework in Kodály ear training under the supervision of Dr. John Feierabend, a nationally recognized expert on music education and early childhood development. During the summers, Mr. Robertson would return to Michigan and perform as concertmaster of the Ann Arbor Summer Symphony.
Graduating with a degree in violin performance and music education, he became director of band and choir for Anchor Bay Schools. In 2001, he joined the Berkley School District where he is presently orchestra director for Berkley High School and Norup International School.
Upon moving to Berkley, Mr. Robertson began working on his Master of Music degree in conducting at Oakland University. There he studied with Dr. Gregory Cunningham and had his conducting debut with the Pontiac-Oakland Symphony.
Over the summer, John conducts the Orion Chamber Music Society summer camp. He is also an avid Kung Fu practitioner, and enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
Dr. John Dovaras, our Music Director/Conductor from 2002 -2006 remains with the orchestra as its Conductor Emeritus. His experience, knowledge of music, and professionalism over the past 4 years was a great benefit to the Orchestra. His contribution to the Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra has made a lasting impression on all its members. We thank him for his years with us.
Peter Tolias, our former Music Director and Conductor, remains with the orchestra as its Conductor Emeritus. His experience with the group, as well as his expertise in the music field, is of great value to the orchestra.
Philosophy
The ensemble is a cultural offering to Royal Oak and our neighboring communities. Formed specifically for area musicians who desire to continue making music a life long avocation, its purpose was broadened to offer its listeners opportunities to hear live performances of musical masterworks which have survived and been appreciated by audiences for hundreds of years. The orchestra is comprised of adults of all ages and professions. We hope you will like our contributions.
Community Participation
The Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra is possible only through audience support and the generosity of individuals and companies. All donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledged in the 2008-2009 season program unless we are otherwise instructed. Contributions should be made to The Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra and mailed to P.O. Box 1738, Royal Oak, Michigan 48068-1738.
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