In September, Dolly Parton of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) was awarded the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. The award honors a country music artist, or duo/group, devoted to improving lives through the power of music, who has a generosity of spirit and is committed to helping others. Since the early days of her career, Parton has used her celebrity to support the causes she loves most. Her Imagination Library has provide more than 94 million free books to preschool children in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2016, she helped raise $12 million for victims of the massive wildfires in her native East Tennessee by hosting a three-hour telethon.
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Composer Wins Vatican Prize
Estonian composer Avro Pärt, 82, is one of the winners of the 2017 Ratzinger Prize awarded by the Ratzing Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation. First awarded in 2011, the prize is given to “people who have answered the challenge of fostering a deep dialogue among science, theology, and philosophy. Pope Benedict XVI served as Pope from 2005-2013.
ICSOM Conference Convenes in Buffalo
by Laura Ross, ICSOM Secretary and Member of Nashville Symphony and Local 257 (Nashville, TN)
The 55th annual International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) Conference, hosted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and Local 92, was held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Buffalo, New York, August 23-26.
ICSOM delegates once again volunteered for a special service event in our host orchestra’s city. This time they partnered with BPO Kids for Exceptional Kids, a program benefiting kids with autism spectrum disorders, cancer, and other chronic physical or health challenges. Thanks to BPO ICSOM Delegate and Member-at-Large Dan Sweeley (of Local 92) for putting this and other conference activities together.
While the “official” beginning of the conference was Wednesday morning, a negotiating workshop led by ICSOM Counsel Kevin Case, a member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) was held Tuesday evening. Before the opening session Wednesday morning, new delegates attended a breakfast to preview what to expect during the conference.
In her first year as ICSOM chair, Meredith Snow (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Local 47) gave the opening address. She reminded delegates that, as our orchestra committees have become stronger, there is a risk that our orchestras may come to view the AFM as a separate entity. But we, the musicians, are the union. We need to uphold the value of our labor and stand up for our colleagues. Individual actions matter. She encouraged ICSOM musicians to reinforce their commitment to their locals, the AFM, and each other. ICSOM is here to help ensure that everyone thrives.
ICSOM President George Brown (Utah Symphony, Local 104) spoke about diversity within the entire orchestral organization—stage, administration, and boards.
AFM Political and Legislative Director Alphonso Pollard reported on various legislative issues, including bills that erode labor protection such as national “right to work” bills proposed in the House and Senate. AFM Symphonic Services Division (SSD) Director Rochelle Skolnick and AFM Negotiator Todd Jelen designed a series of workplace scenarios for delegates and local officers to discuss in smaller breakout groups. A mixer at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery on Wednesday evening offered excellent music, food, and an unobstructed view of a glorious sunset on Lake Erie.
On Thursday, delegates heard reports from officers and others. We were pleased to welcome back two ICSOM Emeritus Presidents—AFM Strike Fund Trustees David Angus (Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Local 66) and Brian Rood (Kansas City Symphony, Local 34-627). Rood, who also serves as chair of ICSOM’s Electronic Media Committee, and AFM SSD Electronic Media Director Debbie Newmark quizzed delegates about the types of work covered by the Integrated Media Agreement (IMA).
A presentation by ICSOM Counsel Kevin Case and David Sywak (Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Local 72-147) discussed health care bargaining options. The afternoon was devoted to an AFM and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) presentation by fund trustees, staff, advisors, and counsel. That evening, ICSOM’s annual Town Hall, a closed session for delegates and the governing board, discussed issues of importance.
Case moderated a panel of orchestra leaders—musicians, administrative, conductors, and a mediator—that examined the dynamics of orchestra relations in a discussion entitled “Back from the Brink.” ICSOM provided a luncheon for members-at-large and their orchestra delegates to discuss a broad range of issues. Each member-at-large oversees 13 orchestras. Following lunch, Meredith Snow moderated a panel discussion examining diversity within our orchestral organizations. More than 40 conference attendees went to view the American Falls at Niagara Falls in the evening.
A large group of attendees from the 55th Annual International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) gathered in front of the Adam’s Mark Hotel Fountain in Buffalo, New York. They were wearing T-shirts supporting individual orchestras and arts organizations.
On Saturday, Cypress Media President Randy Whatley provided tips about how musicians can craft a community relations program. Kevin Case introduced a welcome addition to the conference: an open forum for delegates to ask questions of legal counsel.
Delegates adopted resolutions addressing the AFM-EPF, national right to work legislation, implementation of an online conductor evaluation survey, and ICSOM’s response to recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia. Resolutions were also adopted honoring George Brown as he stepped down as ICSOM President, and Paul Gunther of Local 30-73 (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) who stepped down as a member-at-large after 11 years, following his retirement from the Minnesota Orchestra.
Paul Austin (Grand Rapids Symphony, Local 56) was elected ICSOM President and ICSOM Secretary Laura Ross (Nashville Symphony, Local 257) was re-elected. Kimberly Tichenor (Louisville Orchestra, Local 11-637) and Martin Andersen (New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Local 16-248) were elected to two-year member-at-large positions; Greg Mulligan (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Local 40-543) was elected to a one-year member-at-large position.
Many thanks to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Local 92 President Jim Pace for a wonderful conference. The 2018 ICSOM Conference will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 22-25.
San Antonio Musicians Agree to Contract Extension
With their previous contract expiring August 31, the Musicians’ Society of San Antonio, Local 23, agreed to a four-month contract extension, while negotiations continue for a successor agreement. This allowed the orchestra’s 2017-2018 season to begin on schedule in September.
The terms of the previous contract remain in effect, including a weekly base salary of $1,120 and a 30-week season. Last season, musicians took a three-week furlough to help alleviate the organization’s financial difficulty. The contract covers the orchestra’s 72 musicians, members of Local 23 (San Antonio, TX).
“We are pleased all parties have been steadfast in ensuring the quality of the orchestra, including a provision in the extension agreement that gains made in upcoming negotiations will be made retroactive to the beginning of the season,” says Brian Petkovich, a symphony bassoonist and secretary-treasurer of Local 23.
As of September 1, the San Antonio Symphony is operated by a new nonprofit formed this summer, called Symphonic Music for San Antonio. The new organization is made up of representatives from the symphony’s three largest donors in recent years. Once an asset sale is complete, the musicians’ contract will shift from the San Antonio Symphony Society to Symphonic Music for San Antonio.
LA Chamber Orchestra Receives $1.5 Million to Endow Position
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) has received the largest gift in its history: a $1.5 million donation to endow the principal oboe chair. The gift comes from longtime LACO donors Carol and Warner Henry, and was made in honor of Allan Vogel of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), who served as LACO’s principal oboe for 44 years until his retirement in June 2016.
“How wonderful that my dear friends Warner and Carol Henry have so generously ensured the strength of LACO’s oboe section well into the future,” says Vogel. “Music lovers and musicians in our community are truly fortunate that the Henrys are such passionate supporters. They glow with selfless appreciation of our art. I look forward to joining LACO audiences to hear each concert begin with a glorious tuning ‘A’ from LACO’s principal oboe Claire Brazeau [also of Local 47].” The Henrys’ gift will also support the performance of baroque music and LACO’s Baroque Conversations series.
Musicians of LACO are represented by Local 47.
Cincinnati Symphony Returns to Pre-Recession Orchestra Size
With the hiring of five new orchestra members, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has fulfilled its promise to return the orchestra to 90 members. The newly hired positions include principal trumpet, principal clarinet, assistant principal French horn, assistant concertmaster, and a section cello position. CSO musicians are represented by Local 1 (Cincinnati, OH).
Filling these positions increases the orchestra’s complement by 18%. An aggressive endowment campaign announced two years ago supports the restored positions. CSO musician salaries currently rank 10th among US orchestras.
Nashville Mayor Declares Classical Music Day
Mayor Megan Barry announced that September 5, 2017 will be Classical Music Day in Music City. Though the city is known for Appalachian folk tunes, country music, and indie rock, it is also a hub for award-winning classical music. The day will begin with a public proclamation at 1:00 p.m., followed by performances by local musicians on the steps of Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Nashville Symphony musicians are members of Local 257 (Nashville, TN).
Boston Conservatory Faculty Join Berklee Union
In June, the Berklee College of Music voluntarily recognized the Berklee Faculty Union as the bargaining representative for the 200-plus full-time and part-time faculty of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. The move follows the 2016 merger of the Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory. The conservatory faculty join their 600-plus sisters and brothers on the Berklee faculty, who have been represented by the Berklee Faculty Union since 1986.
Louisville Orchestra Ratifies Three-Year Contract
A three-year contract agreement for Louisville Orchestra musicians, represented by Local 11-637 (Louisville, KY), was reached in mid-July. The contract is retroactive to June 1 and runs through May 2020. Previously, musicians were preforming under a one-year contract that had provided a 3% raise. That temporary contract allowed management time to complete a new strategic plan.
As part of negotiations, musicians successfully fought for a planned endowment campaign to launch this fall—a necessary step toward financial stability. The musicians’ contract includes a 5% salary increase in the 2017-2018 season, and a 3% raise in each of following seasons. Orchestra size will grow from 55 to 58 by the final year of the contract, with one new position added each year.
Season length remains at 33 weeks, but a paid vacation week has been added and both sick leave and personal leave will increase. The musicians will also have increased input with the Louisville Orchestra Board of Directors.
Oregon Symphony Balances Budget
Oregon Symphony balanced its budget for an eighth consecutive year in the 2016-2017 season, while increasing the number of concerts it performed by 20%. The orchestra increased its total ticket revenue by 21% and saw an 18% increase in the number of seats sold. Both subscription revenue and single-ticket revenue grew compared to the previous season, and 30% of the season’s concerts were sold out. First-time buyers accounted for 26% of all tickets sold—a 12% increase over the previous season.
In addition, the orchestra expanded its education and community engagement efforts in the 2016-2017 season, increasing programming by 4% and reaching 19% more people. The orchestra’s annual free Waterfront Concert, a daylong music festival featuring performances by area arts groups, drew 15,000 attendees.
Oregon Symphony musicians are members of Local 99 (Portland, OR).