Issue: December 2021
As all of ICSOM knows, the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony have been on an unfair labor practice strike since September 27, following management’s unilateral declaration of impasse and imposition of intolerable terms on September 26. During the summer of 2020, the musicians met with our management and board to negotiate drastic, pandemic-related modifications to our CBA for the 2020-2021 … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2021
On October 29 I had the opportunity to attend a rally in support of the San Antonio Symphony musicians on behalf of ICSOM. It was a chance for me to pass on the support of all ICSOM members for the SAS musicians, and to hear from those musicians directly. The energy in the crowd was palpable, especially given that management had announced the cancellation of the musician’s health insurance the … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2018
Si Otsedoha: We’re Still Here The North Carolina Symphony (NCS) gave powerful, emotional performances of the new work Si Otsedoha (We’re Still Here) across the state of North Carolina during one week in October. Cherokee Central Schools students from the Cherokee Chamber Singers performed in traditional Cherokee garments. Audiences in Raleigh, Wilmington, Boone, and Cherokee gave the work … [Read more...]
Issue: March 2018
The last year has been tumultuous for the Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony. Our collective emotions have ranged from cautious optimism to total despair as the events of the last year have unfolded. Last spring, the Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony were notified of a plan for a takeover of the Symphony by three of the largest foundations in San Antonio, the Tobin Endowment, the … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2014
Newark Early Strings Program to be Replaced The Newark Early Strings Program (NESP), a community outreach initiative of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Newark Public Schools, is closing down after 14 years of service, due to reallocation of funding by the Newark School District. Undaunted, the NJSO has just announced a new educational program, to be named Music … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2013
Within the past few months, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra negotiated a new three-year contract, launched its music and wellness website, and completed its fortieth major tour. Pittsburgh delegate Penny Brill reports on the developments. In June the PSO ratified a new contract that calls for a 4% raise the first year, a freeze the second, and a 3% raise in the third. The increases were … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2013
At the beginning of April, musicians and management of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra reached agreement on a new two-year contract. The musicians’ negotiating committee supplied the details that follow. After unilaterally declaring an impasse in September 2012, management imposed a 20% reduction in base salaries and reduced the season from 37 to 33 weeks. The musicians filed a bad faith … [Read more...]
Issue: August 2012
The San Diego Symphony knew that last year’s very successful centennial season would be hard to match, but the recently completed 2011–2012 season turned out to be its most successful year ever. Senior Director of Marketing Stephen Baker said that, subject to audit, the San Diego Symphony balanced its budget for the 14th consecutive year. Ticket sales reached an all-time high, with an increase of … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2010
The San Antonio Symphony Orchestra welcomed its new music director, Sebastian Lang-Lessing, with a sold-out gala performance on October 2nd, 2010. A champagne toast followed the concert at the 2,311-seat Majestic Theater. Delegate Emily Freudigman reports that the Majestic will remain home to the SAS until the opening of the Tobin Center for the Arts, scheduled for 2013. The orchestra was joined … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
The musicians of the San Antonio Symphony have developed a special program that both gives and gets back in spiritual rewards. During the month of December 2009 we celebrated our 21st season of presenting the gift of holiday music to the city of San Antonio through the Caroling Project . The project began in 1989 with principal string players visiting two hospitals. It has grown to include as many … [Read more...]
