Boston Symphony Press Release

[alexwill]

https://www.bso.org/brands/bso/press/bso-press-releases.aspx

BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RATIFIES NEW LABOR
AGREEMENT THROUGH AUGUST 2023
ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS CONTINUE TO TAKE PART IN THE
BSO’S OVERALL COST-SAVING MEASURES BY AGREEING TO
CUTS IN THEIR SALARIES, REFLECTING THE MAJOR FINANCIAL
CHALLENGES DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERT CANCELLATIONS
MARCH–NOVEMBER
The musicians of the Boston Symphony Orchestra ratified a new three-year labor agreement that went
into effect on August 24, 2020, and runs through August 27, 2023.
Highlights of the new Boston Symphony Orchestra labor agreement include:
In response to COVID-19-related revenue loss of $35 million, a compensation reduction
averaging 37% in the first year of the contract; increases in compensation over the course of the
agreement will occur as the BSO redevelops sustainable revenue, as clearly defined in the terms
of the new contract.
Starting in fall 2021, the establishment of the BSO Resident Fellowship Program—an excellencebased training program for early career orchestra musicians from historically underrepresented
populations; the 1-2 year program will provide opportunities for young musicians of color to
study with BSO musicians and perform with the BSO and Boston Pops in their Symphony Hall
seasons in Boston, as well as participate as a Fellow in the Tanglewood Music Center, the BSO’s
acclaimed summer music academy.
Starting in September 2020 and reflecting the current COVID-19 period, an agreement on an
expanded definition of official BSO-work “quota” services, including both concerts and rehearsals
and adding digital online performances and involvement in community engagement activities,
educational collaborations, Tanglewood Learning Institute programs, and development and BSO
Board events.
The incorporation of four BSO Sunday-afternoon concerts into the 2021–22 and 2022–23 BSO
seasons.
A JOINT STATEMENT BY MARK VOLPE, BSO PRESIDENT AND CEO; JAMES MARKEY, CHAIR OF
THE BSO PLAYERS COMMITTEE; AND PATRICK HOLLENBECK, PRESIDENT OF THE BOSTON
MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION:
“The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s new labor agreement reflects our collective understanding of the
major challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating financial losses due to the
cancellation of the BSO’s performance and event schedule, March-November. By addressing these
challenges on the compensation level, as well as in several other areas, the BSO’s new labor
agreement acknowledges the part the musicians are playing in the overall cost-saving measures to
ensure the Boston Symphony Orchestra emerges from the pandemic as a vibrant and essential
institution for its loyal music community. It was especially gratifying to come to an agreement on the
importance of redefining official services beyond rehearsals and concerts during this time of hiatus from
live performances and beyond. In a departure from the standard labor agreement subjects,
management and musicians worked enthusiastically together on the creation of the BSO Resident
Fellowship Program for young musicians of color—a program that we hope will inspire much needed
optimism as we continue to look toward better times and toward expanding the BSO’s vision of its
future offerings.”
During its ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, the BSO has made a series of
announcements that detailed the full slate of cancellations. These previous announcements can be
found here. The BSO will continue to monitor recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as confer with its own team of medical experts on
matters related to an eventual reopening. All updates on this subject will be announced through press
releases and postings on www.bso.org. For a BSO press kit, click here.