The musical duo of internationally renowned vocalist Andrea Ross and her husband, principal

cellist of the South Dakota Symphony, Robbie Erhard, blend their musical backgrounds to put

an intimate and inventive spin on heartwarming songs from Broadway, jazz, folk and classical

traditions. Andrea’s crystalline voice is balanced beautifully by the depth of Robbie’s cello

playing. Their original arrangements feature layered harmonies and nuanced variation in the

cello to create a rich yet intimate accompaniment to the voice. Together, they craft a heartfelt

experience that transcends the boundaries of genre, delivering both nostalgic charm and

technical mastery.

Described by the Boston Globe as “a phenom, whose pose and pipes are astounding” and by

Variety Magazine as “a lovely, clear soprano,” Andrea Ross is an internationally recognized

vocalist, Broadway performer and recording artist. Ms. Ross has been singing professionally for

20 years as an interpreter of musical theater repertoire, bringing Broadway classics and the

Great American Songbook to leading venues across the world, both in symphony settings and

in cabaret.

Andrea’s career began when she caught the attention of legendary Broadway composer,

Andrew Lloyd Webber, who became her mentor and producer for several years. Andrew Lloyd

Webber and Universal Music Group’s Classics and Jazz label, produced Ms. Ross’ solo album,

Moon River, which debuted on the Top 50 UK Album Charts.

Andrea Ross has performed as a soloist at prominent UK venues including the Royal Albert Hall

and Wembley Stadium, where she was a guest artist for Concert for Diana, hosted by members

of the Royal Family to commemorate Princess Diana. Ms. Ross has developed an international

reputation as a soloist of the highest caliber, singing with top symphony orchestras including the

Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra,

Utah Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and many more.

Ms. Ross has performed in renowned concert venues throughout New York, including

Feinstein’s 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, and 92nd Street Y. Andrea Ross has appeared at prestigious

music festivals such as the Grand Tetons Music Festival, Lakes Area Music Festival, and the

Hampton Court Palace Festival.

Andrea Ross has starred in two Broadway National Tours; Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle

Down the Wind and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. She has performed on

professional stages throughout her hometown of Boston, MA and won the prestigious Elliot

Norton Award for ‘Outstanding Actress’, awarded by the Boston Theater Critics Association.

As the Gold Medalist of the 2022 American Traditions Vocal Competition, Andrea Ross has

earned recognition for her range and established herself as one of the most versatile young

artists of her time.

Robbie Erhard joined the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra as principal cello and member of

the Dakota String Quartet in 2020 after serving as acting principal for the 2019 - 2020 season.

Praised by Strings Magazine for “the practiced grace of a Martha Graham dancer: things that

should be impossible, but are made to look easy—utterly natural”, Robbie has enjoyed a diverse

career performing as a chamber musician, soloist, orchestral musician and across a variety of

musical genres. Prior to joining the SDSO, he served as cellist with both the Ceres Quartet and

the Altius Quartet, performing in concert halls across the US for several years. Memorable

chamber music experiences include performances with Emmanuel Ax and Anton Nel. Recent

highlights as a soloist include performances with the SDSO and with Boulder Bach Festival.

During the summers, Robbie plays with Central City Opera, Lakes Area Music Festival and

seeks other diverse performing opportunities across the country and abroad. He is currently on

faculty at Augustana University where he enjoys an active teaching schedule. Robbie’s summer

festival credits include a String Quartet Fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival, multiple

summers at Kneisel Hall and participation in the Juilliard String Quartet Seminar. He is fortunate

to count among his most influential mentors members of the Cleveland, Juilliard, Pacifica,

Takacs and Ying String Quartets. Robbie received his undergraduate degree from University of

Colorado Boulder, and his Masters degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was

teaching assistant to Alan Harris. Passionate about expanding his musical horizons, he has

performed extensively across genres and finds the Lakota Music Project, a part of the Bridging

Cultures program at SDSO, to be particularly rewarding and meaningful.

The NMM Live! Series is made possible by the USD Student Government Association and the South Dakota Arts Council through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.