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In 1981 our Director, Jim Guracech , was selected as the guest conductor of the forteenth Junior Cultural Federation Festival held in Denver, Colorado. The DTO, in 1982, with the international talents of Vera Svoboda performed at our cabaret night in June. Her husband, Julius Nikos, directed the DTO as she brilliantly entertained the audience. This was a tribute to the musicians of DTO and their flexity and ability to take direction from another conductor on short notice. In 1983, the 25th anniversary of the DTO, and under the direction of James Gurecech, the DTO held its Spring Concert. The following groups were invited to celebrate with us: The S.S.S. Ravanica Chior of Detroit, the Detroit Star Junior Tamburitzans and Pennsemble of Pittsburgh, PA. A highlight of the orchestra's history was a tour of Croatia and Vojvodina in 1984. In these areas the Tambura is especially appreciated and enjoyed. The ensemble received the highest reviews from music critics for our conductors direction and the orchestra's musicians outstanding performances of folk and classic compositions. The DTO has participated and contributed to many humanitarian efforts-- one such event, which raised $6000 was the Croatian-Bosnian benefit concert, held at the Macomb Center for the performing arts, on August 22, 1992. This concert featured the Warren Symphony, Balalaika Orchestra of Detroit, and the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra. The proceeds from this event were donated to orphan refugee children of Croatia and Bosnia. In 1997, our 'Christmas in Croatia" affair raised monies for the hospitalized children with chronic disease in northern Bistra. To view correspondence regarding this donation, click here. In 1994, Jim Directed an all-Steve Pavlekovich program in which Steve either wrote or arranged each number. After the concert, Jim announced his retirement. Jim directed DTO for 19 years and under his conducting leadership and talent brought the orchestra to new heights and dimensions. Under Jim's direction, the orchestra performed symphonic compositions from classic and semi classic musical scores. In addition the orchestra performed compositions written specifically for the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra by Croatian composers. In the summer of 1994, Ken Kosovec became the fourth director of the DTO. Again, DTO was fortunate in obtaining a person with a great backround in music and the tambura. Ken comes from a tambura family and served as director of the Detroit Star Junior Tamburitzans for many years. He played in several local tambura combos, and was a long time playing member of the DTO. The DTO has evolved into one of the finest large tamburtitza orchestras to be found anywhere. From the early formation and growing years, this orchestra has become a seasoned professional group. This has occurred because of patient and dedicated directors and consiencious members. Today, DTO is recognized as one of the most respected leaders in performing compositions for large Tamburitza orchestras. DTO will continue to preserve and further the art of tamburitza music. John Belavich |