In June, the musicians of Symphoria in Syracuse, New York, ratified their first one-year agreement. The agreement—basic, but comprehensive—is intended to serve as a template for future agreements. Much of the language was taken from previous Syracuse Symphony Orchestra contracts, as well as procedures and agreements used during the founding of Symphoria. The orchestra’s musicians are represented by Local 78 (Syracuse, NY).
The contact establishes an annual salary of $12,600, and an orchestra complement of 48 core musicians with five additional contract musicians. Season length is 35 weeks for the regular season and an additional two weeks in the summer. Existing health care and dental care policies will remain intact, and the contract establishes two sick leave services per season.