Santa Barbara Symphony Begins Season with New Musician Agreement

The Santa Barbara Symphony and its unionized musicians have agreed on a new labor contract. The American Federation of Musicians Local 308, which represents the Symphony's 76 performers, voted to approve the deal following negotiations over the summer. The union ratification was announced Friday.

"With difficult labor negotiations plaguing the industry in recent years, it is both remarkable and telling that we came to an understanding so quickly and collegially," said Santa Barbara Symphony Board President Arthur Swalley. "We regard our musicians as family and hold them in high esteem. We are very proud of the manner in which the process unfolded."

"I would like to thank the seven members of the Orchestra Committee who worked with me on behalf of the musicians," said Neil Garber, associate principal bass of the Symphony and president of Local 308. "Working with the Symphony throughout this process has been very smooth."

"I am proud that our institution continues to invest in our musicians," said Symphony Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti. "This agreement allows us to continue to bring concerts of the highest artistic excellence to the community."

"Having this three-year agreement in place complements the organization's strategic plan, and enables multi-year budgeting and financial planning to occur in alignment with its artistic vision," said Symphony Interim Executive Director Kathryn Martin.

The Santa Barbara Symphony opened its 2016-17 season with a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and Christopher Rouse'sRapture at the Granada Theatre on October 15. The orchestra will present a total of nine programs over the course of its 64th season, including two non-subscription concerts. Complete season program information is available online at www.thesymphony.org.

Single tickets can be purchased at www.granadasb.org or by calling 805-899-2222.

The Santa Barbara Symphony was founded in 1953 on the belief that a special city deserves a special orchestra. Consistently lauded for its unique ability to present brilliant concerts, engage the community, and deliver dynamic music education programs, the organization prizes both innovation and artistic excellence, and is widely recognized as one of the region's premier cultural institutions. Its award-winning Music Education Center serves more than 8,000 students throughout Santa Barbara County each year. Charismatic Israeli conductor Nir Kabaretti was appointed music director of the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2006. For additional information, visit www.thesymphony.org.