Robbie Ellis works at Classical WFMT Chicago as the host of Sunday Afternoons and as the producer and presenter ofIntroductions, a weekly show that profiles local pre-college musicians. He started in classical radio at RNZ Concert in Wellington.
In addition to the Northbrook Symphony, he gives pre-concert talks for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Music Festival, Apollo's Fire, and the Rush Hour Concerts. He's also hosted events for Cedille Records, Third Coast Percussion and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
As a composer, Robbie studied at the University of Auckland and held the Mozart Fellowship, a composer residency at the University of Otago. His works have been performed by numerous New Zealand orchestras, chamber ensembles and choirs; and he's co-created comedy classical concerts with the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Fourth Coast Ensemble, and the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, performing his own songs and those of Tom Lehrer. He also regularly composes art song for classical singers around Chicago.
He has had a long career as a music director for improv, sketch and musical theater, including at The Second City on land and sea. He currently works as a music director at the Chicago Magic Lounge. Find his two multi-genre albums of musical comedy songs, Pumpkins and Metric System, wherever you find music.
