Musicians agree to tentative agreement with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to avoid strike
Musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and its management reached a tentative deal Monday on a new collective bargaining agreement, both sides said on Monday, avoiding a potential strike.
The agreement is subject to ratification by the musicians and the BSO's Board of Directors. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
"Parties have reached a tentative agreement that is subject to ratification by the Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors," said Baltimore Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Mark Hanson. "Because the tentative agreement is subject to ratification, no further details can be released at this time."
Earlier on Monday, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians said they voted to authorize a strike if management continues to resist their request for fair compensation during contract negotiations.
The musicians were looking for base pay in line with other major 52-week orchestras. According to the musicians, the most recent contract, which expired Sunday, left salaries far below inflation and a freeze on the number of musicians.
The orchestra's opening season gala is set for September 19 and 20.
"At this time, BSO concerts and events – including the annual Gala Celebrations on September 19 & 20, with proceeds benefitting our musicians and the BSO's wide-reaching education and community programs – are proceeding as scheduled," Hanson said.
BSO's upcoming concerts
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs 130 concerts each year at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, along with more concerts at The Music Center at the Strathmore in Rockville, Maryland.
The BSO performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout Maryland and is currently under the direction of Music Director Jonathon Heyward, who began his inaugural season in September 2023.
The BSO is scheduled to perform "Heyward's Triumphant Beethoven" from Sept. 26 to 28, followed by Jurassic Park in Concert from Oct. 3 to 5.
You can learn more about the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra here.
