The Richmond Symphony Orchestra Announces New Four-Year Contract with Musicians

The Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Musicians' Association, Local 123 of the American Federation of Musicians both announced today that they have reached agreement on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, through June 15, 2018. This agreement is a culmination of two years of negotiation, and reflects the commitment of all involved during that time to 'keep the music playing', in service to communities throughout Metro Richmond and the Central Virginia region.

The new contract, covering the 2014/15, 15/16, 16/17 and 17/18 Seasons, guarantees annual wage increases of 1.5%, 2.5%, 2.5% and 1.0% respectively, with the salaries of section musicians increasing to $34,210.80, assistant principals to $39,003.12 and principal musicians to $46,007.52 in the final year of the agreement. The agreement also increases the number of paid weeks under contract from 38 to 39 in the final year of the agreement and allows for more flexibility in performance scheduling.

"We are very pleased that we are able to come to an agreement." says Philip H. Bennett, Symphony Board Chairman. "The fact that musicians and management were able to display such professionalism and hard work during these negotiations is to be commended. The new contract is going to allow us to move forward together with confidence as we plan our 60th Anniversary Season in 2017/18, and beyond."

About the Richmond Symphony

Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia. The organization includes an orchestra of more than 70 professional musicians, the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus and more than 200 students in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra programs. Each season, more than 250,000 members of the community enjoy concerts, radio broadcasts, and educational outreach programs. The Richmond Symphony is partially funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.