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San Francisco Opera Reaches Tentative Deal With Orchestra
Confirmed
In Short: San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra have reached a tentative agreement after a weeklong strike, ending canceled performances and allowing the season to resume.
San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra have reached a tentative agreement after nearly a week of strike negotiations, ending canceled performances and allowing the season to resume. The agreement, which is still subject to ratification, spans from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2030.
The strike, which began on September 12, forced the cancellation of the season opener, Opera in the Park, and several other performances. The San Francisco Opera posted on social media that the agreement recognizes the value and artistry of the world-class Orchestra while putting the Opera on a path toward long-term fiscal stability.
San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock said the agreement was fair for the musicians, while Mayor Lurie praised the resolution, noting that arts and culture are driving San Francisco’s recovery and that the work of artists and staff at cultural institutions is crucial.
Gabe Young, associate principal oboist and chair of the Orchestra Negotiating Committee, expressed relief and thanked Mayor Lurie’s team for brokering the agreement. Young said the deal gives the musicians much-needed stability and allows them to return to the pit to perform for the company they love.
The San Francisco Opera’s 104th season now opens on September 22 with Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, followed by Thea Musgrave’s Mary, Queen of Scots on September 24. Both productions feature the San Francisco Opera Chorus directed by John Keene.
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.
- Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are Despite reaching an agreement, the Opera noted weekend performances will remain canceled, saying “staging world-class opera performances requires significant rehearsal, preparation and planning”.
- 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.