September 20, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Dianne Darwin, 314-286-4116, dianned@slso.org

SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MANAGEMENT
AND MUSICIANS ANNOUNCE NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENT 

New Contract Extends Labor Agreement Until 2010 

            ST. LOUIS, Sept. 20, 2007 – Cynthia J. Brinkley, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) Chairman of the Board of Trustees, announced today that a new labor agreement has been reached between SLSO management and orchestra musicians from Local 2-197.

The new agreement, which supplements the current contract that was set to expire on September 7, 2008, will provide orchestra musicians with salary increases of 1% in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, along with increases in pension and daily per diem rates when the orchestra is on tour.

Orchestra musicians currently have a base salary of $76,000 for the 2007-08 season, and under the new agreement they will earn $76,760 in 2008-09 and $77,530 in 2009-10.  Each season will continue to be 42 weeks in length.  The new agreement also provides for a pension contribution of 5% of base salary in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

            In addition, SLSO management agreed to increase the pay rate and pension contribution for replacement musicians who are contracted through Local 2-197, and provide support throughout the concert season.  

             “This new agreement is a real testament to the willingness of the musicians to recognize how vital the goal of stability is for this organization,” said Brinkley. “Over the last few years we have faced some monumental financial and artistic challenges, and this organization continues to succeed because the management and musicians have formed a partnership to meet those challenges as one,” she continued. “This agreement will allow us to continue focusing on meeting our financial challenges and fulfilling our mission of providing inspiring music and outreach partnerships within this community,” Brinkley concluded.

            “With this new agreement, Saint Louis Symphony musicians are demonstrating our commitment to the long range stability of the SLSO” said SLSO contra bassoonist and Chairman of the musician negotiating team Brad Buckley. “We think that working in partnership with the Board and Staff in a stable environment will encourage both artistic achievement and the ability of the SLSO to provide the industry standard compensation SLSO musicians richly deserve”.

            “The new agreement will allow everyone to have stability while working toward the financial goals in hopes of allowing the musicians to receive the money they deserve in relation to their peer orchestras in the next round of bargaining,” said Musicians’ Association of St. Louis Local 2-197 President Vicky Smolik.  “A new side letter agreement was signed which creates a Joint Labor Management Partnership which should allow management and the musicians to improve working conditions for everyone,” Smolik concluded.

            “The new labor agreement is a positive and inspiring way to begin our 128th season,” said SLSO Interim President and CFO James Garrone. “I think it is very important to point out the two sides agreed on salary and benefit changes almost one full year before the current contract is set to expire.  Also, the new agreement reinforces to the St. Louis community the common goals of musicians and management,” Garrone continued.

            The agreement comes as the SLSO prepares to begin its 40th anniversary season in Powell Symphony Hall on September 22 with a concert led by Music Director David Robertson and featuring guest violinist Vadim Repin.

Founded in 1880, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is recognized internationally and nationally as an ensemble of the highest caliber, performing a broad musical repertoire with skill and spirit.  Led by innovative American-born conductor David Robertson, the Symphony continues to build upon its reputation for artistic excellence while maintaining its commitment to fiscal responsibility and community activities.

A familiar presence in recording media, releases by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra have met with critical acclaim and have been honored with six Grammy Awards and fifty-six Grammy nominations. The Symphony also has issued several recordings on its own label, Arch Media, documenting its artistic distinction.