The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Aram Demirjian.
“The management of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Local 546 of the AFM have reached an agreement that will make possible a February–May recovery of the 2020-21 season,” writes Alan Sherrod in last Monday’s (12/28) ArtsKnoxville (TN). “Although the two sides had previously been at an uncomfortable and somewhat bitter impasse following the unexpected August furloughing of KSO musicians and some staff, the agreement still comes with painful compromises, but with an overriding desire to return to music. The agreement sets out a return to rehearsals and performances on February 1, with the core salaried KSO players receiving 20 weeks of salary at 80% of their previously contracted weekly amount starting January 4. Per-service players will be offered 80% of their guaranteed service amount, based on 20 weeks. Among the compromises are—allowing the KSO management to make personnel and program changes with less lead time, and expanded flexibility in recording and streaming of performances to accommodate audiences during the pandemic. Details of the actual programming, plus the ways that performances will conform to health and safety guidelines, will be announced in January.”
