About Terry Mizesko - Terry Mizesko

Terry Mizesko was born in 1946, in Morehead City, North Carolina.

He received his B.M. in Theory/Composition from East Carolina University where he studied composition with Martin Mailman and Gregory Kosteck, and trombone and counterpoint with Eugene Narmour.

As a professional musician, Mr. Mizesko held the position of bass trombone with the North Carolina Symphony from 1971 to 2017. He was also on the faculty of the Eastern Music Festival (2000-2015) where he performed with the EMF orchestra under the direction of Gerry Schwarz.

Mr. Mizesko’s original compositions as well as his holiday arrangements have been performed by many major orchestras including Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Louisville, Fort Worth, Syracuse, Buffalo, Virginia, and his own North Carolina Symphony. He has also had his works performed in France and the United Kingdom.

I have conducted virtually every piece in Terry Mizesko’s catalogue of fresh, original and inspired works that have a broad populist appeal.His brilliant orchestration and the richness of his melodic gift have earned him a place alongside America’s finest composers, both past and present.

William Henry Curry

The music of Terry Mizesko cries out to be listened to and enjoyed. Whether it be a touching personal tribute to a friend or colleague, or a majestic soaring soundscape capturing the wonders of nature, his music is always compelling. As a conductor I truly value how well crafted his music is. It always ‘works’ well first time through, no matter how technically demanding it may be. He obviously appreciates the symphony orchestra from career spent as a bass trombonist within the heart of the NCSymphony. Furthermore, whilst being an idealist (which composers aren’t?) he is also pragmatic and always a pleasure to work with. I commend him and his music wholeheartedly.

Grant LlewellynMusic Director Laureate, North Carolina Symphony