The San Diego Symphony, California's oldest at 106 years, announced a new five-year contract with its musicians. The average salary will raise from $70,000 to $80,000 over the length of the agreement. “We agreed to a contract structure,” noted CEO Martha Gilmer, “that respects the musicians of the orchestra and creates the best working atmosphere for their artistic growth while exploring new opportunities to strengthen the orchestra’s financial future. I could not be happier with the result, and feel that we have developed greater understandings that will enhance our working life together.” (reported in the San Diego Union Tribune).
While the upcoming season will be the last from Music Director Jahja Ling, the orchestra is in the midst of a worldwide search and is embarking on an ambitious plan of improvements to its outdoor concert venue.
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| Bayside Performance Center (foreground) |
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| Up close |
The bad:
The Pittsburgh Symphony is the second Pennsylvania orchestra (Philadelphia went through bankruptcy proceedings in 2011) to experience serious financial problems. President Malia Tourangeau tells the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the organization is at a "critical crossroad" after a $1.5 million deficit to close out the recent fiscal year. The orchestra's pension fund needs $10.4 million in the next five years.
The Symphony has only recently begun multi-year financial planning. “I was equally as surprised as everyone else when we did this 3-5 year projection and saw our cash obligations,” Ms. Tourangeau said. “In fact, I was a bit stunned to see what I was charged to turn around.”
AND, of course, the current contract expires on August 4. This does not bode well.
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| Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh |
And the unknown:
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the symphony and the musicians, embroiled in a protracted labor dispute, reached a tentative contract agreement that still needs to be approved by the musicians. No details have been forthcoming.
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