Dr. Terry Roberts
Dr. Terry Roberts’ musical studies began at age five, first with piano, followed by horn and cello. In 1976, he completed his Bachelor of Music at Florida State University. After college, Dr. Roberts traveled to Cologne, Germany to study under legendary hornist, Erich Penzel. Dr. Roberts spent 16 years in Europe as a professional horn player. He played Solo Horn for the Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany from 1977 – 1984 and for the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra in Monaco from 1984 – 1992.
Dr. Roberts made several appearances at renowned theaters and symphony halls throughout Europe like the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and Smetana Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. His musical talents led him to many of Europe’s most historic cities including Berlin, Geneva, Moscow, Paris and Rome. While abroad, Dr. Roberts was featured on over 40 compact discs and two were awarded with the Grand Prix du Disque, the premier French award for musical recordings. On American soil, Dr. Roberts has graced the acclaimed stages of Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Dr. Roberts returned to the United States to earn his Doctor of Music at his alma-mater, Florida State University. While pursuing his advanced studies, Dr. Roberts served as the musical director and conductor of the Chipola Regional Symphony Orchestra. He went on to direct the orchestra at the University of North Carolina in Pembroke. Currently, Dr. Roberts is a professor and coordinator of music at Francis Marion University. He has been leading the Florence Symphony Orchestra since 2002.
When not practicing music or planning the next program for the Florence Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Roberts can be found on the fairways. He is married to Susan Rowe, the artistic director of the South Carolina Dance Theatre. Dr. Roberts and Ms. Rowe have two children, Terris and Ariadne, who inherited their parents’ many talents.