Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Players Ratify New Contract

Among other perks, CSO players will receive a 13.5% increase to their salaries

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and the local negotiating committee of the American Federation of Musicians have agreed upon and ratified a new three-year contract. The contract will begin on September 1, 2024, and run until August 31, 2027.

Over the course of the new agreement, the musicians will receive a 13.5% increase in weekly salary, and the number of working weeks per year will be increased from 38 to 39 — providing a more stable work environment for the players and allowing the orchestra to expand its community offerings.

The CSO has also made updates to its tenure process, though specific details of these have not been made public. The updates provide more support for musicians during their probationary period and are based on advice from both the Black Orchestral Network and the League of American Orchestras.

Flexibility has also been improved, which will support players to give their own personal performances and to continue their work teaching around the Charlotte region.

"This new collective bargaining agreement comes after months of cordial and productive discussions with our management," said Principal Horn Byron Johns and Second Trumpet Jon Kaplan, the co-chairs of the musicians' negotiating committee.

"We are confident that it will enhance our ability to serve new audiences and communities while continuing to support our mainstage performances. With this agreement in place, and the continued partnership between our musicians, staff, managers, Board of Directors, and our new Music Director Kwame Ryan, we believe the Charlotte Symphony is set to achieve thrilling new artistic heights."

"I’m deeply appreciative of the dedication shown by the musicians’ negotiations committee, and their collaborative spirit, toward our shared goal of amicably forging this new agreement well ahead of the current contract’s expiration," said President and CEO David Fisk. "As we head into this exciting new era for the Charlotte Symphony under Kwamé Ryan’s leadership, I’m grateful to have this solid contractual foundation in place that supports our musicians and allows us to focus on delivering exceptional performances and strengthening our connections with the Charlotte community."