EarRelevant Staff | 30 SEP 2019
ATLANTA, GA— The Atlanta Opera and The Atlanta Opera Orchestra reached an agreement last week on a five-year contract extension, running through the end of the 2023-24 season. The new agreement was reached just months after the existing contract expired in July, 2019, but in time for the start of the company’s 40th anniversary season.
“As The Atlanta Opera continues to establish itself as one of the leading opera companies in the nation, the role of the orchestra becomes even more prominent, said General and Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun in a press release. “The orchestra has been a critical partner in the growth of the company from 12 performances in 2013 to 32 performances in 2019. The positive relationship that we have established with the musicians in the past few years has evolved and deepened to become a real partnership. We had a respectful and collegial negotiation process this summer, which resulted in a five year agreement. This agreement will allow us to improve and strengthen our artistic operations, while keeping the stability and financial health of the Opera in mind.”
In the same release, William Johnston, principal violist and chair of the musicians’ negotiating committee, stated that “The musicians are pleased to have reached this long-term agreement through a process that was straightforward, fair, and productive. We look forward to contributing to the continued success of The Atlanta Opera by delivering performances of the highest quality to our loyal audiences.”
The core orchestra complement remains unchanged and will continue to play for The Opera’s main stage performances at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which have increased over the last five years from three productions to four. In addition, the Discoveries series performances have increased from six to sixteen performances, bringing the total number of performances in the 2018-19 season to 32. The continued growth in performances increases the number of orchestra services available, which in turn gives the orchestra more opportunities to play together.
Musicians employed in The Atlanta Opera Orchestra are represented by the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. ■
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