Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Cancels Upcoming Concerts

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) today announced the cancellation of its orchestral concerts through November 8, 2014, including the opening performance of the 2014-15 season on September 25, due to negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.

If an agreement is reached between ASO management and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players' Association (ASOPA) before November 8, the classical season will be re-launched as soon as possible. The complete list of cancelled concerts can be found online at http://atlantasymphony.org/1415postponed.

The contract between ASO management and ASOPA expired on September 6, 2014 without agreement on terms of a new contract.

Ticketholders for affected concerts are encouraged to hold tickets until a new agreement is reached. Details on ticket exchanges and refund policies are available at here.

"We've made this decision with a great deal of reluctance," said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra President & CEO Stanley E. Romanstein, Ph.D. "Cancelling concerts is the last thing any of us wants to do, but out of respect for our patrons and the many people who play a role in producing the concerts we all enjoy, we feel we have no other choice."

The ASO has suffered annual operating deficits for 12 consecutive years, including a $2 million deficit in the recently completed 2014 fiscal year. The most recent collective bargaining agreement proposal from the musicians would add another $2 - $2.5 million to these deficits.

"These are the unfortunate economic realities we face. If we are to have a strong future, we must take care of our business now to make sure we stay in business," said Dr. Romanstein. "At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: an artistically vibrant and financially stable ASO that serves this community for years to come. I'm confident that we'll get there, and I'm immensely grateful for the continued support of the community."

Current details and updates about the negotiations can be found on the ASO website: atlantasymphony.org/2014musiciantalks.