California Symphony Orchestra Musicians Sign New Three-Year Contracts

WALNUT CREEK, CA (September 30, 2015) - The California Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Union Local 6 of the American Federation of Musicians have announced the ratification of a new, three-year musicians' contract. California Symphony Music Director Donato Cabrera has also signed a new three-year contract with the orchestra. Both agreements are retroactive to August 1, 2015 and run through July 31, 2018.

The musicians' agreement calls for a wage freeze in the 2015-16 season, a 1.4 percent increase in the musicians' base wages beginning in the 2016-17 season, and no increase in the 2017-18 season.

"I'm grateful to the Players' Committee for their willingness to have honest conversations about both the history and present state of the organization," said California Symphony Executive Director Aubrey Bergauer. "Together, we were able to work toward the right decisions necessary to continue delivering incredibly high quality music while also appropriately planning for current budget needs."

"I've been through a number of contract negotiations for several different orchestras, and this was probably the most collaborative and friendly one that I have ever been involved with. I really feel like we're all heading in the same direction and have a good agreement," said Robert Hoexter, cellist with the orchestra and chair of the Players' Committee. "I think Aubrey has brought some fresh air into our orchestra by opening new doors for us, and I'm looking forward to where we can go from here with her combination of enthusiastic and yet responsible management. I think it's just what we need right now."

Music Director Donato Cabrera will continue providing his award-winning programming and oversee the selection process of the Young American Composer in Residence. He will also consult with the Executive Director and the board to evaluate the scope, breadth and content of the Symphony's music education programs, and advise on the planning and development of all educational outreach programs.

"I'm really looking forward to making music in the years ahead with my wonderful musical colleagues in the California Symphony orchestra," Donato Cabrera said. "We've built a great musical foundation and, together with our committed board and excellent staff, the future is very promising. I'm excited about reinvigorating our concerts for kids programming and bringing the joy and fun of music to more children in our local schools. Our Young American Composer in Residence program has created a unique "start-up" environment for many of today's successful contemporary American composers, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to nurture such great musical talent."

"Donato is a fantastic partner, and I'm so pleased the board extended his contract. He has raised the musicianship of this orchestra, and he attracts the best players in the Bay Area because musicians enjoy working with him," said Bergauer. "All of this continues to heighten the artistic product we present."

To support the orchestra's mission to grow and to serve more families, children, veterans, and other current and new listeners, longtime Symphony supporter Sharon Simpson has offered the "200 for 200" challenge: raise $200,000 in donations from 200 households by October 30, and she will match that total with a gift of $200,000. To participate in the challenge and join the 200, visit californiasymphony.org/200for200.

About the California Symphony

The California Symphony is distinguished for its concert programs that combine classics alongside American repertoire and lesser-known works, its pioneering Young American Composer in Residence program, its nationally recognized education programs, and for bringing music to people in new and unconventional settings. The orchestra is comprised of musicians who have performed with the orchestras of the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, and others. California Symphony has launched the careers of some of today's most-performed composers and soloists, including violinist Sarah Chang, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, and composers such as Mason Bates, Christopher Theofanidis, and Kevin Puts. The orchestra is in its third season with Music Director Donato Cabrera, who joined the California Symphony in 2013, and is expanding its regional base in Northern California, performing concerts in three new venues. The orchestra, based in Walnut Creek, will perform at its home at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center's Lincoln Theater in Yountville, and did recent performances at the Concord Pavilion in Concord and with Postmodern Jukebox at the Kaiser Center Roof Garden in Oakland.

California Symphony Music Director Donato Cabrera has been the Resident Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony and the Wattis Foundation Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra since 2009. In 2014, Cabrera was appointed Music Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2013 he became Music Director of the New Hampshire Music Festival.

For more information, please visit www.californiasymphony.org.

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