music director
TODD ELLISON Hailed by The New York Times as one of “Broadway’s Electric Conductors,” Todd Ellison is one of the most accomplished and sought-after music directors working today. Raised in Essex, Connecticut, Ellison began playing piano at age six and later graduated from Boston University School of Music with a degree in piano performance. His career has spanned many roles, ranging from award-winning Broadway shows to several seasons as the music director for the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” Currently, he is the Music Director of The Philly Pops, the Music Supervisor and Arranger of the new Broadway-bound musical, Roman Holiday, and the composer of the award-winning musical, The Black and White Ball. Ellison’s Broadway credits include: An American in Paris, Annie, La Cage aux Folles, Elton John’s Lestat, 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. As Marvin Hamlisch’s Music Director, Ellison worked on Ballroom and The Nutty Professor. Ellison has conducted all over the world, including the Vienna Konzerthaus with Dawn Upshaw and Jerry Hadley, with The Dublin Film Orchestra, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Mexico City), World Science Festival, Lincoln Center, Cole Porters’ Jubilee at Carnegie Hall, and with the Pittsburgh, San Diego, Long Beach, New Haven, New Jersey, and York Symphonies. Throughout his career, Ellison has accompanied stars like Beyoncé, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Nicole Kidman, Barry Manilow, Bea Arthur, Jane Lynch, Tracey Ullman, and Kelsey Grammer. Todd led The Philly POPS for its first Memorial Day concert at Longwood Gardens in 2015. He has since conducted 2017’s Best of Broadway, 2018’s Memorial Salute concerts, and 2018’s A Philly POPS Christmas. Todd officially became the POPS’ Music Director in July 2019. 8 | Encore! | The Philly POPS
