Sarasota Orchestra signs three-year agreement with musicians' union

The Sarasota Orchestra has reached a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Musicians Florida Gulf Coast, Local 427-721, that begins with the 2023-24 season.

The pact calls for a 5% annual wage increase in each of the three years it covers. It also increases compensation for musicians' travel expenses and raises the employer contribution to their retirement plan.

“This new agreement includes meaningful gains in compensation, benefits, travel, and various work rules, providing a framework for Sarasota Orchestra musicians to manage the cost of living as they dedicate their careers to uplift the region’s residents and visitors with outstanding live performances," said John Miller, chair of the musicians' negotiating team, in a statement.

Miller said the musicians' union took the same collaborative approach in negotiations that it did during Covid, with the aim of avoiding furloughs and layoffs.

Some of the improvements in work rules that the union sought and obtained include the transition of second wind positions to assistant principal positions upon audition and instrument insurance for contracted "full orchestra musicians" who perform on a per-service basis.

“Sarasota Orchestra’s accomplished musicians are the heartbeat of our organization,” said Board Chair Tom Koski in a statement. “The new collective bargaining agreement allows for their artistic growth while maintaining a secure financial foundation for our future."

Koski noted that the orchestra continues to search for a new music director and to plan for a new music center that will make performances more accessible to patrons outside of downtown Sarasota. 

Sarasota Orchestra plans to build a regional music center as part of its development of nearly 32 acres on Fruitville Road, just west of Interstate 75.

The orchestra will kick off its 75th season in October with five concert series:  Masterworks, Pops, Discoveries, Great Escapes and Chamber Soirées. 

The performances will take place at six different venues: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center (Holley Hall), Sarasota Opera House, Neel Performing Arts Center, North Port Performing Arts Center and Riverview High School.