After the retirement of Mr. James Guracech as director of DTO in 1994, Ken became the new director of the Orchestra. Ken has established a respected reputation for his formidable accomplishments as a musician, performer, former director of (Zvijezda) Star Junior Tamburitzans, arranger, composer, and presently as director of the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra.
Ken’s assertive expectations of hearing the musical best from each section of the orchestra, as well as making the most of the dynamics of each composition, results in a comprehensive and entertaining interpretation of the character of each piece of music played. In addition, he has contributed many of his own arrangement and compositions. As musicians, we are grateful for his dedication and inspiration. Ken’s involvement in the cultivation and perpetuation of tamburitza music has been extensive. The passion and nurturing started as a member of the Junior Tamburitza Group of Zora Lodge 351 where he eventually, in 1971, became the director of the newly formed ‘Detroit Star Junior Tamburitzans’ organization; his appointment as director encompassed a 15 year span. Many of his students are now present and former members of DTO. In 1967, Ken became a member of ‘Detroit Senior Tamburitzans’, which eventually became DTO, and remained a member for 27 years with the exception of his time spent in military training in the Marine Corp. In 1972, he became a member of ‘Orchestra Lira’ of Detroit and performed as a cello player with this group for 20 years. During this time span, he recorded three long play albums.
For a period of approximately five years, Ken served on the executive board of the Tamburitza Association of America, whose sole purpose is to keep the art of tamburitza music thriving in the U.S.
Presently, he performs with Tamburaski Orkestar ‘Momci’ who have have recorded two long play albums. Momci have become a featured favorite of the public at the annual Tamburitza Extravaganza, held in a different city in the U.S. each year.
Under Ken’s challenging direction, DTO hopes to carry on this tradition of tamburitza excellence and distinction among its peers. Mr. Ken Kosovec leads the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra with the ethnic Croatian consciousness that has been a part of him from birth and we earnestly hope to rely on his leadership for many years to come.
Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra