Todd Ellison
Conductor
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Hailed by The New York Times as one of “Broadway’s Electric Conductors,” Ellison is one of the most accomplished and sought after musicians working today.
His Broadway credits include An American in Paris, Annie, La Cage aux Folles, Elton John’s Lestat, Spamalot, 42nd Street, Amour, The Wild Party, On the Town, Once Upon a Mattress (starring Sarah Jessica Parker), How to Succeed…(starring Matthew Broderick), She Loves Me, Taller than a Dwarf (incidental music) and A Class Act.
In London’s West End, he was the Music Supervisor/Orchestrator of 42nd Street at the Drury Lane Theatre, supervised and conducted opening night of An American in Paris at the Dominion Theatre, and supervised the Tokyo and Australian productions.
He is the orchestrator and arranger of the upcoming Hans Christian Andersen in New York, and the UK bound Roman Holiday.
He was the Music Director of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” at the famed Radio City Music Hall for several seasons. As Marvin Hamlisch’s Music Director, Ellison worked with him on Ballroom and The Nutty Professor directed by Jerry Lewis.
For City Center’s Encores! he conducted their acclaimed version of On The Town and The Bandwagon.
Internationally he has conducted at the Vienna Konzerthaus with Dawn Upshaw and Jerry Hadley, The Dublin Film Orchestra, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Mexico City), World Science Festival-Lincoln Center, Cole Porters’ Jubilee at Carnegie Hall, the Pittsburgh Symphony, San Diego Symphony, The Philly Pops, Nashville Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, New Haven, New Jersey and York Symphonies.
He has conducted more than 20 albums including the Grammy Award winning cast albums of his shows. He has accompanied such stars as Beyoncé, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow, Bea Arthur, Jane Lynch, Tracey Ullman, Audra Mcdonald, Jane Krakowski, Alan Cumming, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Dawn Upshaw, Jerry Hadley, Billy Porter, Kelsey Grammer and Elaine Stritch.
He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards, The Ruth Ann Heller Music Foundation and the Community Music School.
Raised on Melody Lane in Essex, Connecticut, Ellison began his piano lessons at age 6 and is a graduate of Boston University School of Music with a degree in piano performance. Todd is proud to be a Steinway Artist.
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He’s the closest thing to Marvin Hamlisch that the PSO has discovered. Blessed with a sly comedic pace, Mr. Ellison developed a personal relationship with “Phyllis” in the front row on Saturday night, then filled in with nimble piano accompaniments on occasion.
Ellison brought it all together. Sure of beat and clear with dynamics, he showed an easy-going control with the orchestra musicians...”
— PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE“Charming and self-effacing, Ellison regaled the audience with tales of his childhood in Connecticut and his journey to an internationally acclaimed career as a musical director and conductor whose work includes such Broadway productions as, La Cage aux Folles, Spamalot,and An American In Paris. Ellison’s between-song patter was just right, establishing a warm connection with his audience.
In addition to being a top-notch conductor, pianist, and musical director, Ellison knows how to craft a show that envelops the audience and delivers an emotional punch.”
— DC METRO THEATER ARTS“It is an impeccable program of songs performed by a dream-team. Ellison’s extensive classical training and boundless Broadway experience proves that the POPS are in more than capable hands.”
— BROADWAYWORLD“The Pittsburgh Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert most often creates a sense of warmth and familiarity. But the latest edition at Heinz Hall this past weekend showed a whole other side of the year-end season, built on a series of great arrangements and brought to life by the dry wit and sophistication of conductormTodd Ellison.
— PITTSBURGH POST“It’s easy to see why Todd Ellison is “hailed by the New York Times as one of Broadway’s electric conductors” - one of the most accomplished and sought after music directors working today. He is charming, energetic, and witty and knows how to connect with the audience…
— DC METRO THEATER ARTSEllison was in rare form... His legendary stature was only dwarfed by the amazing 25-foot tree in the Grand Lobby! He is charming, energetic, and witty and knows how to connect with the audience.”
— ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT“On Saturday May 30th, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presented a show called “Broadway Spectacular” in which conductor Todd Ellison led a program of some of his favorite Broadway numbers, most of which were from shows he’s worked in or showcased the best work of his guest performers: Beth Leavel, Christopher Sieber and Kathryn Guthrie. The night opened with an electrifying rendition of the overture from Gypsy, which saw the NJSO in top form.”
— STAGEBUDDY“The State Theatre in New Brunswick rang with song and laughter on May 31 when the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO), under the baton of renowned guest conductor Todd Ellison, wowed the crowd of Broadway lovers of all ages with a feast of musical numbers. Ellison has a gift for making the right combinations of soloists and music and his friends of long standing and a new protégé made for a scintillating afternoon.”
— QONSTAGE.COM“Todd Ellison ensures Gershwin’s score gets full, lustrous value from both the large pit orchestra and the performers. Vocally and musically, An American In Paris is all it needs to be – and more.”
— BRITISHTHEATRE.COM