Robert Vernon (musician)
Robert Vernon (born May 5, 1949 in Toronto, Ontario) is a classical violist and teacher. Robert Vernon served as the Principal Violist of the Cleveland Orchestra from 1976 before retiring in 2016. Vernon is also a co-head the Viola Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and was a faculty member at the renowned Juilliard School of Music. Vernon also serves on the Faculty at Kent/Blossom, the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland, the New World Symphony Orchestra, and the Encore School for Strings. He also frequents several chamber music festivals including the Sarasota Music Festival  (Sarasota, Florida), and the Nevada Chamber Music Festival (Reno, Nevada). Life. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Robert Vernon moved to the United States as a child and grew up in the Detroit, Michigan area. Vernon attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City and graduated with honors. Vernon played in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra before being named Principal Violist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Vernon retired from his position and currently resides in Solon, Ohio.