In Sunday’s (12/9) Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York), Stuart Low reports, “The sounds coming from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra this week are shockwaves. The RPO board’s recent vote to terminate music director Arild Remmereit’s contract in August—two years before his four year contract expires—has triggered resignations and outrage from board members and musicians. Remmereit is still fighting for his job, and an online petition backing the Norwegian conductor has collected more than 1,000 signatures.” The article reports that two board members have resigned to protest the termination, and that several musicians have voiced support for Remmereit. “Amid the turmoil, RPO board chair Elizabeth Rice said the orchestra’s financial health is improving, despite an operational deficit that an audit confirms will be $700,000 to $750,000 for this fiscal year. … The orchestra’s financial picture will depend heavily on ongoing negotiations for a new musicians’ contract. Wesley Nance, co-chair of the musicians’ negotiating committee, was hopeful for an agreement later this month. The next meeting is set for Wednesday. ‘We’re working together in a cooperative, positive way,’ he said. However, many musicians are worried about the outcome, having often made financial sacrifices to bridge the RPO’s budget gaps.”
Posted December 12, 2012
