SAN FRANCISCO—On Thursday, May 8th, the Musicians of the San Francisco Symphony will host a demonstration to call attention to ongoing negotiations with Symphony management for a new, fair contract after more than a year without a long-term contract. The demonstration will take place ahead of the Symphony’s movie with a live orchestra event, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
The ongoing contract discussions center around compensation, organizational leadership, programming, and the financial health of the institution. A year after the high-profile and unexpected departure of the Symphony’s music director due to disagreements with management and the board, there is still no new announced music director, no plan to resume touring, no plan to restore programming, and no plan from the board to fundraise or increase philanthropy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Musicians accepted pay reductions to support the organization. As of May 2025, these salaries have not been fully restored to pre-pandemic levels. The Musicians are the only group among peer orchestras whose pay has not been fully reinstated post-pandemic. Yet, Symphony management has restored their salaries to pre-pandemic levels and increased spending on administrative costs.
While Symphony management initially reported a 10-year deficit of $116 million, this figure did not account for growth in net assets deemed "restricted" or COVID-19 relief funding. However, the Symphony's net assets have grown by $106 million over the same 10-year period, totaling $375 million. Their updated calculations now suggest a deficit of only $46 million over 15 years.
The Musicians are seeking:
- Fair Compensation: Restoration of salaries to levels promised in the 2018 contract, adjusted for inflation, to remain competitive with peer institutions.
- Artistic Leadership: Appointment of a world-class music director with board support for their artistic vision.
- Program Restoration: Reinstatement of cut programming and touring activities.
- Financial Transparency and Fundraising: A commitment from the board to proactive fundraising efforts and transparent financial practices to ensure the Symphony's sustainability.
The Musicians of the San Francisco Symphony are committed to preserving the institution's legacy of excellence. The Musicians are seeking a fair contract and a collaborative approach to address the current challenges while ensuring the Symphony's continued success and world-class status.
The Musicians of the San Francisco Symphony will be available for comment on the ongoing contract negotiations at the demonstration. For more information and updates, please visit sfsmusicians.org or visit the Musicians Instagram @sfsymphonymusicians.
Event Details:
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 6:15PM to 7:15PM
RSVP: Email Julia Forrest (julia@lh-pa.com)
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