Eugene Symphony Announces Three-Year Contract with American Federation of Musicians Local 689

 Provides 10.5% Increase Over Life of Contract and Work Rule Changes to Maximize Schedule Efficiency and Revenue Generation.

Eugene, OR – July 1, 2024 – The Eugene Symphony Association (ESA) has announced that its Board of Directors has ratified a three-year contract with its 82 musicians, securing the symphony’s programming and performances through 2027. The agreement reflects the continuing progress that maintains Eugene Symphony as a cultural cornerstone in the region and reinforces its commitment to its artists as it looks to the start of the 2024/25 concert season. The Eugene Symphony musicians, members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 689, overwhelmingly voted to accept the contract at the end of June 2024.

“Our musicians remain the heart of this wonderful organization and the signing of this multiple-year agreement ensures that they will have opportunities for growth as well as increased impact both on and off the stage,” says Dave Moss, Executive Director of the ESA. “Like many performing arts organizations both locally and throughout the country, Eugene Symphony has experienced two years of significant deficit spending. Despite these challenging circumstances, the core values of collaboration and innovation, fiscal sustainability, and a deep commitment to our community, remained steadfast as we negotiated this agreement.”

The new agreement calls for annual raises totaling 10.5% by the end of the contract and immediately restarts the hiring process for 18 currently vacant positions. The most progressive updates significantly alter work rules to maximize flexibility and efficiency in scheduling leading to a reduction in operational costs and opportunities to create more revenue potential. Additionally, smaller groups of musicians can be deployed for multiple purposes and will expand the reach of the Symphony outside of the Hult Center. The flexibility in the contract will help the Eugene Symphony to remain agile and provide the tools to deliver what audiences and the community expect and need.

“The musicians of the Eugene Symphony are very excited about the future of the organization,” says Lydia Van Dreel, Chair of the Musician Negotiating Committee. “We are grateful for the thorough and respectful negotiation process, and we feel that the Eugene Symphony is poised to grow and thrive, delivering quality concerts and experiences for Eugene, Springfield, and the region.”

“This contract builds on the decades of strategic growth and success for our orchestra, even as we have navigated the negative effects of the pandemic,” says Deborah Carver, Chair of the Board of the ESA. “This agreement strengthens the organization by giving confidence to patrons, donors, and sponsors, encouraging them to continue to contribute generously as they anticipate the expanded programming and engagement from our Symphony. The harmony between musicians, board, administration, and community, serves as the credibility and trust that has been established both financially and artistically.”

The ratified agreement positions Eugene Symphony for renewed sustainability as it heads into its 2024/25 season, which kicks off with two free community concerts on July 21 at The Cuthbert and July 22 in Cottage Grove. The Symphony has already launched and expanded its programming at the Hult Center with The Music of Queen on August 8 and The Music of Studio Ghibli on September 21.

Interview & Media Opportunities: High-resolution photos are available upon request. For interviews, contact Marketing & Communications Director Julie Winsel at julie.winsel@eugenesymphony.org or by phone at 541-687-9487 ext. 1106.

About Eugene Symphony

Now in its 59th season, Eugene Symphony is a nonprofit and 83-member part-time professional orchestra based in Eugene, Oregon, led by Music Director & Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong with a mission of enriching lives through the power of music. With new Executive Director Dave Moss, Eugene Symphony is excited to continue to connect with patrons, local organizations, and community members through concerts, outreach, and educational programming in the upcoming 2024/25 Season. The 2024/25 Season will also feature the five Music Director finalists who will succeed Francesco Lecce-Chong.

See the PDF of this press release.