From French, a soirée musicale is literally a musical evening or, by other definitions, social entertainment with music featuring singing or the playing of musical instruments. The concept gained popularity in the 1870s.

In 1885 in Detroit, a dozen women pianists established the Tuesday Musicale, seeking “to improve their performance skills and promote good music.” The group presented concerts by an impressive list of musical artists and was a vital supporter of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s early years.

Not many years later, on March 1, 1924, the Royal Oak Musicale – first known as the Monday Musicale of Royal Oak – was organized to “foster and promote music and musical interest in the community” Two meetings were held each month at the Royal Oak Methodist Church. The first officers were Grace Davis, Pearl Weikel, Eva Kenaga, Doris Curtis, and Florence Miller.

A chorus was soon organized, with its first performance on December 9, 1924, at the Methodist church, directed by Gladys Davis. Rounding out its first season was a program of Easter music in May 1925, with soloists Mrs. Louise Allmendinger and Mrs. Harold Roberts. The Christmas 1925 program was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. In May 1927, Miss Clara Ellen Starr gave a talk on “The Modern Orchestra.”

In the spring of 1929, the chorus made its first appearance at the Michigan Federation of Music Clubs convention with participation in the combined chorus.

The Royal Oak Musicale, a nonprofit organization with no religious affiliation, remains a member of both the Michigan and National Federation of Music Clubs.

As membership grew, meetings were held at the Royal Oak Woman’s Club and performances moved among other church and community venues. From 1986 to 2023, activities were held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Royal Oak. With Good Shepherd’s merger with other Lutheran churches and closing of its building on Campbell Road, the meetings and performances have now moved to the First Congregational Church in Royal Oak.

Programs over the organization’s 100 years have been as varied as Oriental art and music, South American music, student performers from the Detroit Conservatory of Music, a Ukrainian pianist, sacred sitar music, a lecture on old Italian music, a “Know Your Music” quiz, operettas, premiere compositions, jazz, Black American composers, and recorder concerts.

Throughout the years, interest groups were formed within the Royal Oak Musicale, including the Young Musicians League, Opera Ensemble, Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Bell Choir, and Recorder and Drama groups. For eight- to 12-year-olds interested in music, the Young Musicians group was active into the late 1970s and met at the Royal Oak Woman’s Club and later at various schools.

The musicale has inspired a tradition of long-term membership over its history, such as 44-year member Laura Dougherty, age 92, and seven other 25-year members who were recognized in The Daily Tribune on September 12, 2013, and Zenovia Courtney honored in 2015 for her 90th birthday and 63-plus years of membership. Several nonagenarians are currently active members.

The Royal Oak Musicale proudly provides annual financial awards to talented high school seniors who plan to major in music, including performance, composition, theater, education, therapy, and business. Since 1974, the organization has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships.

Currently, the Royal Oak Musicale supports a 25-member chorus and a 12-member madrigal group. These groups present concerts at Christmas and in the spring as well as take part in outreach programs to assisted living residences.

The group offers free concerts on the third Tuesday of the month from September through May. These concerts are open to the public and feature talented local musicians. A schedule can be found at royaloakmusicale.com.