NY Philharmonic Musicians and Management Reach Contract Agreement; European Tour Begins 2/2

As a result of negotiations facilitated by a federal mediator, the New York Philharmonic and its management have agreed on a new two-year contract.

The settlement allows the orchestra’s planned European winter tour to go forward as planned, with the first performance on February 2 in Cologne, Germany.

The musicians, who have been working without a contract since September 20th, 2011, are pleased that management dropped its plans for drastic cuts to health insurance and a radical reduction in pension benefits, which musicians contended would have made it impossible to attract and retain the best classical musicians in the world to play in New York City.

Fiona Simon, Chairman of the Orchestra Negotiating Committee and a violinist in the orchestra for 26 years, issued the following statement: "With this contract the New York Philharmonic will continue to both be viewed as a desirable ‘destination orchestra’ for the world’s very best musicians and retain the current members of the orchestra. This will allow the Philharmonic to maintain its high quality, which is important not only to our audience but to New York City's reputation as the cultural capital of the world."

Tino Gagliardi, President of Local 802, AFM, said “In the case of the New York Philharmonic, where management has $200 million in assets and is planning a $400 million renovation of Avery Fisher Hall, there is no reason to shortchange the artists by slashing pension benefits. This agreement ensures that the best of the best will keep on auditioning for the chance to play symphonic music in New York City. When we respect our musicians, that great tradition continues.”