California’s Pacific Symphony has announced the ratification of a new four-year musicians contract, covering September 2020 through August 2024. The agreement addresses conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and will allow musicians to return to the Segerstrom Concert Hall to record a new series of Classical, Pops, and Family Musical Mornings programs. The agreement includes a 30 percent reduction in overall compensation for 2020-21; by the 2023-24 season, compensation will be restored to levels promised in the collective bargaining agreement that was set to expire Aug. 31, 2021. To provide more predictable income during a time when their work has been drastically reduced, musicians will be paid for the first two years of the agreement on a bi-weekly basis, rather than the current per-service basis. The agreement also formalizes health and safety protocols developed by a joint labor-management committee that worked with UC Irvine epidemiologists and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. In addition, the orchestra will launch an all-online version of its music education program for elementary school children in Orange County; music and wellness programs for seniors and children with autism; and continued weekly lectures and coaching for Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles from Pacific Symphony musicians.
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