The ESO Welcomes New General Manager Michelle Pranger

The Evanston Symphony Orchestra has appointed Michelle Pranger its general manager effective May 1, 2023. Pranger will oversee all operations; work with Music Director Lawrence Eckerling and the Board of Directors on concerts, community programs and outreach; manage ticket sales and subscriber relations; and help manage communications.

Pranger has been serving as general manager at Chicago’s Lakeview Orchestra and operations manager for Evanston-based The Musical Offering. She has bachelor’s degrees in economics and trumpet performance from Illinois Wesleyan University, and master’s degrees in trumpet performance and chamber music from the University of Michigan.

Maestro Eckerling commented, “I am delighted to welcome Michelle Pranger to the ESO family. A general manager and a music director together form an important team, which is critical to the true success of any orchestra. I look forward to working with her as we begin our next chapter.”

Margaret Gergen, president of the Board of Directors, indicated that the board is excited about Michelle’s appointment. “We think that her experience both in orchestra administration and in the Evanston arts community will make this a great partnership.”

The ESO would also like to thank Fiona Queen, who stepped in as interim general manager last October, for her hard work and dedicated service during this past year.