Voices Of Ascension And AGMA Reveal New Three-Year Agreement

Voices of Ascension and The American Guild of Musical Artists have ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The agreement was overwhelmingly approved by AGMA members in the shop, and ratified by the AGMA Board of Governors on June 23.

"We're thrilled to have reached this new agreement with AGMA, built on trust, shared values, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence, sustainability, and community," said Jonathan Bradley, Executive Director, Voices of Ascension. "In a time of limited resources, partnerships like this show how organizations and artists can grow together. This model strengthens the artists at the heart of our work and helps Voices of Ascension thrive creatively, collaboratively, and sustainably. We're deeply grateful to the AGMA members and negotiating team for their trust, their partnership, and their courage in joining with us to create such a forward-looking outcome."

This contract reflects the shared commitment of both AGMA and Voices of Ascension to uplift and empower the professional choral artists who make the organization's work possible. For the first time, the agreement establishes a seasonal roster of approximately 32 Artists, each guaranteed at least two offers per season. This new framework provides Artists with greatly increased job security, transparency, and artistic continuity.

"This agreement is a testament to what's possible when both labor and management approach the bargaining table in good faith, with mutual respect and a shared vision for the future," said Charles Perry Sprawls, member of the AGMA Negotiating Committee. "This was among the most positive, collaborative, progressive bargaining conversations that we have ever been a part of. We are so excited to work with Voice of Ascension's leadership, who share our focus and commitment to the future of the organization, and on supporting the artists who are such an integral part of it."

The agreement also includes:

• A 15% increase in wages over three years (5% annually)

• A 15% increase in recording and media fees

• More advanced notice of offers

• Strengthened anti-discrimination language

• Protections related to AI and data privacy

• A new advisory committee made up of Artists, which will participate in Board meetings and the decision-making process for leadership transitions

• Growth-oriented rates for large-scale projects

• Competitive subcontracting rates