In Wednesday’s (8/31) Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), Elizabeth Kramer reports, “The Kentucky Opera rebuffed an offer by the musicians from the Louisville Orchestra to play for the opera’s upcoming performances of ‘Carmen’ at the Brown Theater, which comes during ongoing dispute between the orchestra’s management and the musicians in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement. Musicians have been without a contract since May. Kim Tichenor, head of the players’ negotiating committee, said she made an offer to the opera’s general director, David Roth, on Monday for the musicians to play for the opera under a group the called Keep Louisville Symphonic. The musicians organized the non-profit group when the orchestra was in early court proceedings for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. On Tuesday, the opera issued a statement from Roth: ‘Our primary desire is for an agreement to be reached between the Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Orchestra musicians so the Louisville Orchestra can once again perform for Kentucky Opera.’ … Heather O’Mara, a spokesperson for the opera and orchestra, said late Tuesday the musicians’ proposal would be difficult to implement. Taking sides would jeopardize ‘the relationship between the opera and the orchestra,’ she said. … Both arts organizations share many staff members and have consolidated many of their operations over the past five years.” O’Mara said that the opera will have live musicians for its performances, though personnel have not been determined.
Posted August 31, 2011
