Tag Archives: Kansas City Symphony

Orchestra News

Kansas City Symphony Takes Pay Cuts

Musicians of the Kansas City Symphony recently ratified a one-year agreement modifying the 2020-21 season. Musicians will take a 19% pay cut for the 2020-21 season—part of the organization’s goal to trim expenses overall by 25%. A hiring freeze will leave vacant positions unfilled.

When the orchestra again begins holding ticketed performances at its concert hall, salaries are planned to rise to 8% below the normal rate. For indoor programs, the orchestra is considering scheduling additional performances in order to keep audience sizes smaller and allow for social distancing; some concerts will also be available to watch virtually. In the meantime, the symphony plans to hold outdoor chamber music performances in parks and neighborhoods. The Kansas City Symphony succeeded in ending the 2020-21 season with only a small deficit, due to generous ticket donations and other contributions.

The orchestra’s musicians are members of Local 34-627 (Kansas City, MO).

Orchestra News

Kansas City Symphony Negotiates Contract Extension

With both its executive director and board chair planning departures, the Kansas City Symphony negotiated a contract extension ahead of schedule. The two-year extension will cover musicians through 2023.

Musicians have enjoyed pay increases under their current contract, and raises will continue with the contract extension. Base salaries will increase 4% in the 2021-2022 season and 3% in the 2022-2023 season.

“Together, we look forward to reaching even greater artistic success and financial stability,” says Brian Rood of Local 34-627 (Kansas City, MO), a trumpet player in the orchestra and chair of the Negotiating Committee. “As we welcome incoming Executive Director Daniel Beckley and Board Chair Patrick McCown, we salute [outgoing Executive Director] Frank Byrne and [outgoing Board Chair] William Lyons for their extraordinary leadership and service. Through their vision and dedication, the symphony has become one of Kansas City’s favorite performing arts organizations.”

International Musician, Orchestra News

Kansas City Completes Endowment Campaign

This fall, the Kansas City Symphony completed its Masterpiece Endowment Campaign, having raised $55 million. The symphony raised $52 million in the quiet phase over four-and-a-half years and $3 million in the final six-month public phase. Gifts ranged from $10 to $10 million. The campaign effort was funded entirely from the organization’s annual operating budget. When the campaign pledges are fulfilled, the endowment will reach $100 million and provide a stable base of funding. The symphony plans to draw 4% annually to support operating expenses and there is no plan to slow fundraising. The symphony currently has an annual budget of $17 million.

“The musicians of the Kansas City Symphony are proud to belong to an organization that follows a vision of institutional growth and artistic achievement,” says Musicians’ Committee Chair Richard Ryan of Local 34-627 (Kansas City, MO). “The completion of our endowment campaign is a prime example of our symphony board, administration, and community working together to ensure that Kansas City has a world-class symphony orchestra now and in the future.”

The symphony has seen record attendance and revenue in recent seasons. Kansas City Symphony musicians, members of Local 34-627, are performing under a four-year CBA that runs through June 2021.