ASO Management and Musicians Agree to Federal Mediation

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Management and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players' Association (ASOPA) have agreed to continue Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) discussions using a federal mediator. Allison Beck, Deputy Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), will serve as mediator. Ms. Beck also served as mediator during the Metropolitan Opera Musicians' labor dispute in August.

"We are pleased that after weeks of an open offer, the musicians' union has accepted mediation and we're looking forward to getting back to the negotiating table," said Stanley Romanstein, ASO President and CEO. "We are ready to resolve our differences and start the ASO's 70th Anniversary Season."

ASOPA and Orchestra management failed to reach an agreement on a new contract before the expiration date of 11:59 pm on Saturday, September 6, 2014. The musicians have been locked out since that time, which caused the opening of the 2014-15 season to be postponed and concerts canceled through November 8, 2014.

Once an agreement between Orchestra management and ASOPA is reached, the season will be resumed as soon as possible.

"We are all musicians or music enthusiasts at the Atlanta Symphony, and we are all striving for the same thing - a thriving classical music community that will flourish for decades to come," said Dr. Romanstein. "We hope we can return music to the stage very soon."

For more information about the Orchestra's financials and negotiations, visit: atlantasymphony.org/2014musiciantalks. Information regarding concerts, refunds, fundraising activities and Orchestra programming is available at atlantasymphony.org.