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San Francisco Opera Reaches Deal With Orchestra, Ending Strike
Confirmed
In Short: San Francisco Opera and its orchestra reached a tentative agreement after a week of negotiations, ending a strike that canceled several performances.
San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra have reached a tentative deal after nearly a week of strike negotiations, according to a news release from the San Francisco Opera. The dispute saw the delay of the opera season and the cancellation of high-profile shows, including the annual Opera in the Park event.
The agreement, which spans from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2030, is still subject to ratification by the orchestra members. It aims to recognize the value and artistry of the world-class orchestra while addressing structural changes needed for long-term fiscal stability.
San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock said the agreement is fair for the musicians, while Mayor London Breed emphasized the importance of arts and culture in San Francisco's recovery. The mayor noted the need to ensure that artists and workers can afford to live in the city as living costs rise.
Despite the agreement, weekend performances remain canceled due to the extensive preparation required for staging world-class opera performances. Musicians expressed relief at reaching a fair contract and stability, with Gabe Young, associate principal oboist and chair of the orchestra negotiating committee, stating, 'We look forward to working together to build on the progress being made at San Francisco Opera.
The strike began on September 12, and Mayor Breed's administration, including Matthew Goudeau, the city’s executive director of arts and culture, helped facilitate talks. The Opera reported a structural deficit of about $15 million annually, prompting the need for changes to the 1980-conceived contract structure. Despite these challenges, the Opera has seen a surge in audience and fundraising numbers, including a 13% increase in full subscriptions and nearly $50 million in annual fundraising.
What's confirmed
- Jeffrey McMillan, the San Francisco Opera public relations director, said in a news release on Thursday that they and the orchestra, represented by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 6, jointly announced the tentative deal on a new four-year contract.
- In the news release, SF Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock said the agreement was "fair" for the musicians.
- “We are heartened to have reached a tentative deal that provides a fair contract and stability for the members of the orchestra,” San Francisco Opera Orchestra Associate Principal Oboist and Chair of the Orchestra Negotiating Committee Gabe Young said.
- The San Francisco Opera Orchestra has ended its strike after reaching a tentative deal for a new contract with management.
What's still developing
- The San Francisco Opera is hosting Beethoven 5 & Falla for one night only on Saturday, November 1.
- "And as the cost of living rises, we are working to build a city where those artists, workers and families can put down roots." During the strike, the back and forth between the Opera and Opera Orchestra played out on social media.
- The opera posted their side of the story saying they were seeking changes to the contract structure that was conceived in 1980, arguing that their season had changed, and the contract should reflect that.
- In one post, the Opera wrote, "We cannot afford to keep paying one group of employees for time neither worked nor needed." They said it was not fair to their other employees.
- The strike was announced Saturday afternoon, prompting the cancelation of the Opera's 104th season opening night and many other performances.
- Musicians said over the weekend they had been in negotiation with the Opera right up until Saturday’s scheduled opening night performance but could not reach an agreement.
- Those with tickets can choose their options by visiting the Opera’s website.
- The deal comes almost a week after beginning a strike that forced the cancellation of opening night and multiple performances through Sept.