Dr. Phyllis Robertson, vocalist, teacher, and conductor, earned her early music degrees from the University of Nebraska and Arizona State University, receiving the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1982. She retired in 2018 after 19 years as adjunct voice professor at Truman State University, concluding 46 years of University academia. Dr. Robertson served the music faculties at the University of Iowa, Arizona State University, Central Missouri State University, Eastern Illinois University, Blackburn University, Culver-Stockton College & Quincy University.
In & around Quincy, Dr. Robertson taught at St. Dominic Catholic School for 16 years, & directed & organized the All Faiths Concert for four years involving local & area church choirs. She has coordinated the Sunday Music Series since 1989, & recently retired as Choir Director at Salem Evangelical UCC after 27 years. She maintains a private voice & piano studio in Quincy.
As a vocalist, Dr. Robertson has presented many faculty recitals & performances at the above mentioned Universities. She has performed on many Sunday Music Series programs & was often a soloist as a member of the Quincy Symphony Chorus. She was the featured mezzo-soprano soloist with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra’s performances of Handel’s Messiah in 1990, 1997 & 2002, adding to her other frequent QSO appearances as soloist as well as her varied roles with Quincy’s Muddy River Opera Company, most recently in 2016 as the Abbess in Suor Angelica. Dr. Robertson conducted the combined QSOA choirs & orchestra in the 2016 performance of Carl Jenkins’ The Peacemakers.
Under 34 years of Dr. Robertson’s leadership, the chorus has maintained a vibrant & enthusiastic membership, providing the community music ranging from the most serious compositions to popular tunes. Robertson has led the chorus on three European concertizing trips, & in 2009 led a group of QSC women on a trip to New York City to sing under the renowned composer & conductor Sir John Rutter, who directed his Requiem at Carnegie Hall.
Outside of music, Phyllis is Vice President of the Quincy Public Library TQ Board and past President of Quincy’s AAUW chapter. She is an avid golfer & enjoys seeing the world. She travelled to 35 countries with husband Robert Bedell during their 36-year marriage.