Performer Biographies
Nikki Puroff-Main
Nikki Puroff-Main began her musical studies at an early age on both piano and violin. Her teachers included Francis Peterson, and later, Phillip Greenberg and Professor Gustave Rosseels at the University of Michigan. Nikki attended Wayne State University, majoring in Violin and Vocal Performance. At that time, she studied violin with Edouard Kesner, of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and voice with Elsie Enselman for the Detroit Piccolo Opera Company. In addition, she has taught piano, voice and violin in the private setting. Ms. Main has performed throughout the state as a soloist, and in chamber orchestras. She has also had the distinction of performing in accompanying orchestras for individuals such as Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, and Marvin Hamlisch. Her extensive experience has given her the opportunity to have performed for four U.S. Presidents over the last thirty years. Her vocal career includes having served as Choirmaster for St. Clements Orthodox Church in Dearborn; as resident soloist at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Birmingham, Michigan.
Linda Puroff-Tolias
Linda Puroff-Tolias received her BM in Viola and Music Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her MM in Viola Performance from Wayne State University. She studied viola at the University of Michigan with Professor Francis Bundra. Her post graduate studies includes Wayne State faculty and Detroit Symphony Orchestra violists David Ireland and Glenn Mellow. Ms. Tolias also studied with Professor Paul Doktor of The Julliard School of Music. Since the age of 15, Linda has performed professionally throughout the Detroit Metro area. Linda served as Principal Violist of both the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra, and as Assistant Principal Viola for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra, The Warren Symphony Orchestra and the Emerald Sinfonetta Chamber Ensemble. She has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on numerous occasions, and has also accompanied such acclaimed talents as Sammy Davis Jr., Henry Mancini, Sarah Vaughn, and Tony Bennett. Linda performs on both the viola and violin, and is highly regarded not only as a performer, but as contractor for both orchestral and recording session venues. Linda's musical talents as an educator earned her the City of Dearborn's prestigious Music Educator of the Year in 1998.
Peter Tolias
Peter Tolias received his BA and MM in Classical Guitar Performance with a minor in Cello from Wayne State University. He studied guitar with Joe Fava and Charles Postlewate, and pursued post graduate study with Manuel Barueco and David Russell. He also studied jazz with Charles Harrington and Joe Pass. Peter has taught classical guitar, chamber music, and pedagogy at Wayne State University, Marygrove College, and Macomb Community College. Mr. Tolias is conductor emeritus of the Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra of which he was founder, music director, and conductor. For his contributions to the musical and cultural life in Royal Oak, the Royal Oaks Arts Council presented Peter with its Arts Activist Award in 2000. As a jazz/classical guitarist, Peter is a ubiquitous performer having appeared in numerous venues including Brunch with Bach, Nightcap with Mozart, Kithara Guitar Series, Michigan Opera Theater, Guitar Society of Michigan, Montreaux/Detroit Jazz Festival, and numerous faculty and solo recitals throughout Michigan and Canada. He is active as a soloist, chamber musician, and jazz guitarist.