Two Orchestras Reach Contract Agreements

With the lockout of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians generating a spate of articles on the demise of the American symphony orchestra as we know it, a little good news has crept into the picture, from two lower profile orchestras whose players earn less than the BSO musicians but have a good deal more job security going forward.

The Kansas City Symphony musicians have extended their current, four-year contract by two years, through 2023. Calling it “an example of our organization's forward-thinking and collaborative approach,” outgoing Executive Director Frank Byrne noted how it was “in our mutual interest" to extend their agreement, especially since both he and the board chair were leaving. Bryne announced his intent to depart last year. He’s been succeeded by Daniel Beckley, former general manager of the Indianapolis Symphony.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Kansas City Symphony

Outgoing Board Chair William Lyons noted now the “internal culture based on full communication, respect and trust for decades” had enabled the organization to reach an agreement with the players quickly and efficiently. Lyons is being succeeded by Patrick McCown.

Musicians will be receiving increases over the next several years; with minimum base reaching $69,186 by 2022-23.  

The California Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have also come to terms, on a new, five-year contract through July 31, 2023 that calls for a cumulative increase of 12 percent.

"Finishing this contract is an important step in ensuring the continued success of the California Symphony," said Executive Director Aubrey Bergauer, also on her way out. "Knowing a change in executive leadership is coming, I'm proud of the entire team of musicians and staff who made this negotiation a positive, thoughtful, forward-looking process.”

Musicians will see a cumulative increase of 12 percent. Exact numbers were not disclosed.

Bergauer also announced a balanced, $1.38M budget.