Artis—Naples Announces Three-Year Contract with Naples Philharmonic Musicians

ARTIS—NAPLES ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH NAPLES PHILHARMONIC MUSICIANS

Musicians will see a 14 percent increase in base pay over length of contract

Naples, FL (January 31, 2023) – Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen and the musicians of the Naples Philharmonic announced a newly-agreed-upon three-year contract that includes a one-time cost of living adjustment payment this Spring, as well as a 14 percent increase in base pay over the course of the contract and the expansion of the orchestra. The musicians ratified the agreement nearly six months ahead of the expiration of the current contract. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement extends through the 2025-26 season.

“This new agreement underscores the Naples Philharmonic as an essential part of Artis—Naples and our multidisciplinary mission,” van Bergen said. “Particularly following the challenges of recent years with two major hurricanes and a pandemic, this contract also demonstrates our collaborative approach and collective resilience.”

Marlena Chow Morgan, violin, and Paul Votapek, principal clarinet, co-chairs of the Naples Philharmonic Negotiation Committee said, “The musicians of the Naples Philharmonic thank Kathleen van Bergen, David Filner and the Board of Artis—Naples for their leadership and support through the challenges of the past several years. We appreciate the collaborative and respectful nature of our negotiations and we are optimistic that our new contract with a 14 percent salary increase over three years will ensure continued growth and artistic excellence for the Naples Philharmonic.”

Additionally, the new contract adds two new permanent full-time positions to the orchestra, provides flexibility in work rules in order to explore new earned revenue opportunities, expands digital engagement possibilities for students and world-wide audiences and enhances shared authority for artistic decision-making.

The terms were negotiated during seven sessions beginning in October 2022. The Naples Philharmonic musicians bargain collectively, and sessions were conducted without legal representation for either side. This highlights the mutual trust and respect between Artis—Naples administration and the musicians of the Naples Philharmonic.

The Artis—Naples negotiation effort was led by van Bergen and David Filner, Executive Vice President, Artistic Operations. The musicians were represented by an elected committee led by Marlena Chow Morgan, violin, and Paul Votapek, principal clarinet. The other members of the committee were John Evans, Principal Timpani, Jenni Groyon Hill, Assistant Principal Bassoon and Lisa Mattson, Assistant Principal Viola.

 “The musicians of the Naples Philharmonic are indispensable to our ability to bring our multidisciplinary mission to life for this growing and diversifying community.  I am grateful that we have a new three-year agreement between the musicians and management, underscoring our resilience, strength and commitment to a bright future,” said Lois Juliber, Chair, Artis—Naples Board of Directors.