Dr. Erik Anderson
Professor, Low Strings, Theory
Office: Old Main 111
Email: j.erik.anderson@minotstateu.edu
Phone Number: (701) 858-3576
BM, MM, University of Idaho; DMA, University of Cincinnati
As a cellist, bassist, conductor, arranger and teacher, Erik Anderson’s charismatic personality and thoughtful approach to music engages audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Whether in pre-concert lectures for the Minot Symphony Orchestra, presentations in public school classrooms, or on stages from the Great Plains to Europe, he communicates not only an infectious curiosity and deep respect for the music he performs—from gut string Baroque playing to Hendrix on an electric 5-string—but also a passion for education and exploration.
Dr. Anderson regularly performs cello-piano duo repertoire with his musical and life partner, pianist Dianna Anderson. This past season featured five separate programs, each pairing a Beethoven Sonata with a work from the 20th century. He is also is a founding member of the piano trio Luminus, a faculty ensemble at Minot State University.
The past year has seen an increased exploration of electric cello and effects pedals, as he performed Concerto Nova, written by his son Erik. M Anderson, with three orchestras in the San Jose area.
The cello suites of JS Bach are also a lifelong passion. In January 2024, he gave a Suites and Sweets program featuring the complete Bach cycle: each suite paired with a single bite foretelling the character about to unfold.
He plays on a modern Italian instrument, made by Riccardo Bergonzi in Cremona in 2006. Apart from music, Dr. Anderson loves to cook, golf, hang out with his grandchild, and chase any type of ball as though his life depended on it.
Dr. Anderson is principal cellist in the Minot Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Director of Dakota Chamber Music. DCM is a nationally recognized summer institute for strings and piano.
