California’s Santa Barbara Symphony and its musicians have announced a new three-year contract. The American Federation of Musicians Local 308, which represents the symphony’s 76 players, voted to approve the contract following negotiations over the summer, and the union’s ratification was announced on Friday, October 21. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “We came to an understanding quickly and collegially,” said Santa Barbara Symphony Board President Arthur Swalley. “We regard our musicians as family and hold them in high esteem. We are very proud of the manner in which the process unfolded.” “I would like to thank the seven members of the Orchestra Committee who worked with me on behalf of the musicians,” said Neil Garber, associate principal bass of the symphony and president of Local 308. “Working with the symphony throughout this process has been very smooth.” “Having this three-year agreement in place complements the organization’s strategic plan, and enables multi-year budgeting and financial planning to occur in alignment with its artistic vision,” said symphony Interim Executive Director Kathryn Martin. The Santa Barbara Symphony will present nine programs over the course of its 64th season. Nir Kabaretti is the orchestra’s music and artistic director.
Posted October 26, 2016
