Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
February 1, 2016
IM -The Lyric Opera of Chicago and its orchestra’s recent world premiere production of the opera Bel Canto by Jimmy López will be broadcast on the PBS series Great Performances next season. The opera was on stage during December 2015 and January 2016, and performances in early January were recorded. Orchestra musicians will be covered and compensated for the recorded under the AFM’s Integrated Media Agreement (IMA).
The new opera is based on Ann Patchett’s best-selling novel by the same title, inspired by the 1996 hostage situation in Peru. It was commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago and developed with the guidance of Lyric Creative Consultant Renée Fleming.
“This will be the first time since 1991 that a Lyric production of an opera has been televised,” says trumpet player Matt Comerford, a member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, Il) and vice chair of Lyric’s orchestra committee. “Having a national audience for this world premiere is very significant and exciting for our company and all of our musicians. For the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra, it is the second time in five years the group has appeared on Great Performances, the first being at Symphony Hall for a concert with Sir Gilbert Levine and the Chicago Symphony Chorus in honor of Pope John Paul II April 23, 2012 followed by rebroadcasts.”