Chattanooga Symphony & Opera union settles contract

photo Molly Sasse

The union that represents musicians of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera has signed a new 2-year contract that provides a 2 percent wage increase with no cuts in the size or scope of the orchestra.

The new agreement announced today by Local 80 of the American Federation of Musicians, which represents most of the nearly 200 musicians that perform each season for the orchestra, is the firt two-year contract since 2008. It maintains the number of rehearsals and performances and the number of musicians as in previous years.

"We are delighted to reach this agreement, especially in light of the continuing bad news from other orchestras," said Molly Sasse, CSO Executive Director. "We are off to a great start for our 2014/15 season, with our highest subscription ticket sales in more than six years and nearly sold-out houses for our opening concert on September 11 and our gala concert with Yo-Yo Ma in October."

Sasse said while the orchestra had deficits for the past two seasons, the size of the deficit dropped significantly last year.

"We've had a number of donors who have responded with significant new gifts in the past 12 months," she said. "We've also eliminated an administrative position and cut back on production expenses for the upcoming season as we work toward a balanced budget this year."

Taylor Brown, principal bass for the CSO and orchestra representative, said the musicians "are pleased with the outcome of the most recent negotiations.

"We know the board and management are working hard to overcome the past seasons' deficits by raising new funds and moving forward in a positive direction," he said.

The 2014/15 season marks 82 seasons for the CSO, which played its first concert on November 5, 1933. The CSO, conducted by Music Director Kayoko Dan, consists of top players from the Chattanooga area as well as from across the southern region.

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