Composer

Biography

Robbie Ellis was born on Auckland’s sunny North Shore and studied Composition at the University of Auckland. From 2008 to 2012 he worked as a producer and presenter for Radio New Zealand Concert in Wellington, and in 2012 he held the University of Otago Mozart Fellowship in Dunedin.

His works have been performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, 175 East, Saxcess, Estrella, Auckland Youth Orchestra, the SMP Ensemble, Chamber Vulgarus and more. Aside from successes in the NZSO/Todd Corporation Young Composers and Douglas Lilburn Trust Competitions, he’s also won Best Music in the 2009 Two Day Plays competition, and Best Original Song in the Wellington section of the 2011 48 Hours Film Competition.

As a performing musician Robbie has played piano, bass guitar, double bass, percussion, trumpet and trombone to varying degrees of ability. He’s performed styles as diverse as ska, funk, metal, Latin and bluegrass in orchestras, choirs, jazz groups, and bands. He is a specialist in music for improvised theatre and has worked with improv companies across New Zealand and Australia. Robbie also has experience in scripted theatre as a sound designer, composer, actor and director, is involved in the comedy scene, and formerly ran Song Sale Dunedin.

In 2013, Robbie is travelling to North America and then settling in Auckland as a freelance composer, performer and broadcaster.