Who is Robbie Ellis from Jeopardy? The New Zealand Composer Mixing Classical Music, Comedy, and Creative Performance in Chicago
Robbie Ellis has built an international career that seamlessly bridges classical music, comedy, and performance. Originally from New Zealand, Ellis now resides in Chicago, Illinois, where he manages the Northbrook Symphony while maintaining a vibrant creative presence across the city’s arts and theatre scene. Over the past two decades, he has earned acclaim for his versatility—working as a composer, broadcaster, music director, and comedic songwriter. His work captures a rare blend of musical sophistication and sharp wit, appealing to both classical audiences and lovers of live performance.
Ellis’s professional journey reflects his wide-ranging talents. From leading orchestras and composing original scores to performing satirical songs at cabarets and improv theaters, he continues to find innovative ways to make music accessible and entertaining. His distinctive artistic voice—one that balances humor, intellect, and musicality—has made him a unique presence in both New Zealand and the United States.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpLBwtIgFgk
From New Zealand’s Concert Halls to Chicago’s Theatres
Before making Chicago his home, Ellis was a familiar voice and creative force in New Zealand’s arts community. He collaborated with prestigious ensembles including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, composing original works that were performed across major concert venues. His classical compositions have been featured internationally, showcasing his gift for melody, structure, and theatrical flair.
Ellis’s transition to the United States opened new avenues for collaboration and creativity. In Chicago, he extended his reach beyond classical composition, joining the city’s renowned improvisational theatre community. He has worked as a music director at The Second City, iO Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre, providing live accompaniment, original music, and comedic timing that elevate the performances. His ability to move fluidly between high art and humor has become a defining trait of his career.
Broadcasting, Storytelling, and the Power of Music
Ellis’s background in broadcasting has played a major role in shaping his public persona. In New Zealand, he spent years with Radio New Zealand Concert, where he produced and presented classical music programs that reached national audiences. His deep knowledge of music history, coupled with his engaging communication style, made him a standout voice in cultural broadcasting.
After relocating to Chicago, Ellis continued his radio career at Classical WFMT, one of the United States’ leading fine arts stations. There, he became known for hosting Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis, where his humor and insight brought a fresh energy to the airwaves. His work in radio reflects a lifelong commitment to connecting audiences with the beauty and complexity of classical music in an approachable way.
An Educated Ear and a Creative Mind
Ellis’s formal training underpins his artistic versatility. He holds both a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Composition and a conjoint Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland, where he graduated with first-class honors. During his time at university, he honed his skills in composition, orchestration, and performance, developing the technical foundation that would allow him to explore multiple musical genres.
His education at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland first introduced him to serious musical study and public performance. Those formative years ignited a lifelong passion for composition and live collaboration—traits that continue to define his work as both a performer and a mentor.
A Jeopardy Contestant with Humor, Knowledge, and Poise
When Robbie Ellis appeared on Jeopardy, he brought the same intellect and charm that have characterized his work in music and broadcasting. His background in composition and radio prepared him well for the show’s fast-paced trivia format—combining quick recall with a flair for presentation.
Known for his sharp wit and deep well of knowledge, Ellis approached the competition with the same balance of confidence and humor that he brings to his live performances. His appearance on Jeopardy introduced viewers to his distinctive blend of artistry and intellect, making him a memorable contestant both for his smarts and his charisma.
The Creative Force Behind the Curtain and Onstage
Today, Robbie Ellis continues to wear many creative hats. In addition to managing the Northbrook Symphony, he serves as Music Director at the Chicago Magic Lounge, where he blends live performance with illusion and theatricality. Beyond his formal positions, Ellis maintains a strong online presence, sharing his original comedy songs and classical works on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Bandcamp.
Through his website and social media, he gives audiences an inside look at his projects, performances, and collaborations. Whether composing for orchestra, performing at a comedy club, or hosting a concert talk, Ellis embodies a rare kind of creative adaptability—one that honors classical tradition while celebrating humor and human connection.
A Modern Renaissance Musician
From the concert stage to the Jeopardy stage, Robbie Ellis represents a modern renaissance spirit in the arts. His ability to move between the worlds of serious composition, comedic songwriting, and public engagement speaks to a career built on curiosity and authenticity.
In an era that often divides art into genres and audiences into niches, Ellis brings them together—reminding everyone that intelligence and humor, music and laughter, can all share the same stage.
