Eugene Symphony Announces 3 Year Contract with American Federation of Musicians Local 689

Players will receive pay rises totaling 10.5% by the close of the contract in 2027

The board of directors at the Eugene Symphony has ratified a new three-year contract with its 82 players. The contract includes pay rises and provision to begin hiring for vacant positions, and takes the orchestra through to 2027.

By the end of the contract, players will have received annual raises totaling 10.5%. At present, 18 chairs in the orchestra are vacant, and hiring processes to fill those jobs will begin immediately. The contract also makes provision for greater flexibility, allowing smaller groups of players to perform concerts in the community.

A very high proportion of the orchestra's musicians voted to accept the contract.

A non-profit organization, the Eugene Symphony is now in its 59th season, and is led by Francsco Lecce-Chong. In the coming season, it will elect a new Music Director — and five finalists for the position will lead concerts in its 2024/25 programs.

"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," said 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."