Northbrook Symphony Announces New General Manager

September 5, 2025

The Northbrook Symphony (“NSO”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robbie Ellis as its new General Manager. Robbie has most recently worked for WFMT, Chicago’s classical music radio station. He is known for hosting and producing Introductions, WFMT’s weekly show featuring pre-college classical musicians from the Chicago area. Additionally, he has served as the NSO’s pre-concert speaker since the beginning of the year. 

Robbie is also an accomplished composer, arranger, songwriter and pianist. He will be performing at the NSO’s January 11, 2026 concert presenting “A Taste of Vienna”, orchestrating songs by Tom Lehrer and Alma Mahler as a curtain raiser to Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (the “Titan”).

NSO Board President Steve Greene says “Robbie brings to this position unique attributes and skills that will help usher the NSO – in its 46th Season - into an even brighter and more exciting future. The Northbrook Symphony is a vital part of our community, and we look forward to his work in building on our strong foundation to deepen relationships with our subscriber and donor constituencies.”

“I am delighted to manage the Northbrook Symphony”, Robbie says. “Northbrook has a very fine orchestra, and I look forward to continuing my strong partnership with Maestro Mina Zikri and the Board of Directors with a bold new vision towards the NSO’s half-century.”

For its season opening concert on Sunday, October 5th at 4pm, the NSO presents “Comfortably Classical”. The concert takes place at the Sheely Center for the Performing Arts (2300 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062). For more information, please visit www.northbrooksymphony.org.