Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) musicians and management reached an agreement on a new one-year contract, several months ahead of the current contract’s expiration in September. The one-year agreement goes into effect September 11 and extends through September 9, 2018. Key terms of the contract include a 2% increase in weekly salaries—with minimum weekly scale reaching $1,591.20—and language requiring that five auditions take place during the 2017-2018 season.   

“We believe that this settlement is a positive step in maintaining the treasured orchestra we’ve built over a century, and we look forward to building an even stronger institution for the city of Baltimore and the citizens of Maryland,” says Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD) Secretary-Treasurer Mary Plaine.

Greg Mulligan, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Players’ Committee Chair, spoke about the dedication of all involved: “The BSO musicians are glad that we have reached a new agreement, and we thank our board and staff leadership, including our new CEO Peter Kjome, for their constructive and positive approach to these negotiations. We look forward to continuing our work with Marin Alsop, Board Chair Barbara Bozzuto, and Peter as we build our world-class orchestra.”