About Us

The Watercress String Trio played for our wedding a few weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier that they did! Not only did we get TONS of compliments about them, had the most beautiful music throughout our ceremony, but also got to complete a dream of ours by having live music at our wedding. The trio is also the kindest and coolest group ever, seriously enjoyed talking to them as much as I enjoyed their playing. Communication with Ellen was so easy and she’s super responsive and helpful! HIGHLY recommend!!

Sydney W., Chaska

Communication

When you contact the Watercress Trio, Ellen will be the one to respond. It is important to us to get to know each client in an effort to provide the perfect music to accompany the event, and email/phone consultations are no additional charge. Let’s get in touch!

EXPERIENCE

Since we first met in 2009, we have played hundreds of gigs and have experience performing for a variety of events. We are adaptable, professional, and friendly. 

VERSATILITY

Our greatest strength is our versatility. We each pursue separate musical careers outside of the Watercress Trio, which makes us a stronger ensemble when we come back together to play. Read below to learn more about our backgrounds, experiences, and hobbies.

Violinist Anna Andrews received her Bachelor of Music in violin performance from St. Olaf College in 2010 and two Suzuki teacher certifications in 2018. For over a decade, she’s built a private violin & viola teaching studio and a unique freelance career in the Twin Cities. An energetic and passionate performer, Anna has played with various orchestras including the South Dakota Symphony, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Lirica Chamber Ensemble and the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Anna’s musical tastes are varied and have led her to play in many eclectic groups and locations including the Bloomington Civic Theater, Good Diction, the Jolly Groggers, Tommy Wesley & the Entourage, Theater for the Thirsty, the Minnesota Jewish Theater and countless places of worship. Anna lives in Minneapolis with her husband, daughter and cat and when not teaching and playing music enjoys baking, outdoor adventures, small coffee shops and chasing her 2 year old at Minneapolis parks.

Ellen Hacker (violin, viola) is a freelance musician & educator in the Twin Cities Metro area. Aside from managing all events for Watercress Trio, she maintains a private violin & viola studio in the Mac-Groveland St. Paul neighborhood. Learn more at ellenhackermusic.com.

Her musical career includes performances with Artistry Theater, Theater Latte Da, Old Log Theater, Yellow Tree Theater, the Apollo Club, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Michael Bublé. She is a member of the Lux String Quartet, an ensemble currently featured as a MPR Class Notes Artist in the 24/25 school year.

Ellen holds a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A graduate of St. Olaf College, she studied violin, viola & piano and received a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Music Education. You can often find her at the Minnehaha Dog Park with her opinionated sheltie, Leo.

Hilary James (cello) is a freelance musician & teacher in the Twin Cities Metro area. She loves playing, improvising, composing, recording and arranging a wide range of music from classical to experimental sound art to punk rock.  As a performer, she is the cellist and founding member of the Watercress Trio, principal cellist of the St. Andrew’s Chamber Orchestra, and spent 5 months playing in the Mediterranean with the Ulysses Trio. When she’s not teaching cello at her home studio, Hilary, tours with various indie rock bands around the country. A graduate of St. Olaf College, she studied cello & piano and received a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance.