BSO Musicians Set the Tone for Contract Talks

The current contract for the musicians of the Boston Symphony expires at summer’s end. Given that management’s decision to fire Music Director Andris Nelsons was made, they affirm, without their substantive input, they have issued a statement making it absolutely clear that that will not be happening again.

Supported by orchestra musicians from around the world, they acknowledge their “right to be part of artistic decision-making at their institution,” and remind all concerned “how closely the global music community is watching what happens next in Boston.”

The statement reads in part:

“The events of the past six weeks have made one thing clear. When decisions of artistic magnitude are made about the future of the BSO, the musicians who make the music have to be part of the conversation. That is not a radical idea.”

The musicians’ expectations and considerations include:

“A decision making voice in artistic direction. Structural musician participation and buy-in in the major artistic decisions that define this Orchestra, including who will serve as our music director.”

“The partnership between the musicians on the stage and the music director on the podium” is essential to the BSO’s success, and “deserves to be formalized, not left to the discretion of any single Board or administration.”

Transparency is essential. “Patrons, donors, and, most importantly, the musicians need to be part of the development and implementation of an aligned vision.”

“A fair economic agreement” consists of “wages, benefits, and working conditions that reflect the BSO’s standing as one of the leading orchestras in the world.” Competitive compensation is necessary to enable the orchestra to maintain a leading “position in the global market for talent.”

The “musician-audience bond” must be protected. “Symphony Hall and Tanglewood are not interchangeable venues on a schedule, they are the two places where generations of audiences have formed a lifelong connection to this Orchestra. Any agreement coming out of these negotiations should protect and strengthen that connection.”

In conclusion, “The Musicians look forward to productive conversations at the table and remain united in their commitment to the Orchestra, its audiences, and THE BSO’s artistic future.”