“The Louisville Orchestra has forged a new three-year contract that aims to increase the base salaries of its musicians and give them a bigger voice in governing the organization,” writes Grace Schneider in Tuesday’s (7/18) Courier-Journal (Kentucky). “Orchestra and musician leaders announced Tuesday that players would receive an increase of 5 percent in the first year, as well as increases of 3 percent in the second and third year of the agreement, to boost the base salary to $37,167 by the end of the contract on May 31, 2020. The pact also includes a 33-week season in the first year and 34-week seasons in the second and third years. An additional musician will be added to the orchestra each year of the contract, bringing the group from the current 55 to 58…. Under the deal, musicians agreed to play at more community outreach events. Four of their members also will receive voting positions on the 38-member board of directors. Two musicians will also serve on the 15-member executive committee.… The orchestra has been working to rebuild … after nearly going under six years ago…. [Executive Director Andrew] Kipe said he’s pleased with the recent progress. ‘Everybody’s working real hard to make sure we’re successful.’ ”
Posted July 19, 2017
