The Florida Orchestra Ratifies New Contract with Musicians

The new contract will afford the players a 23% pay rise, among other perks

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has announced the ratification of a new four-year contract with its musicians, well ahead of the expiry of the current contract in August 2025. The new contract includes significant benefits for the players in both pay and benefits.

Salaries will rise in a tiered manner: by 3% in the 2025-26 season, followed by 4% for the next two seasons, and then 5% in the final year of the contract. From the third year, the players will also be afforded one extra week of work and one more paid vacation week.

In total, guaranteed compensation will rise by 23% compared to the previous contract — from $50,495 in the final year of the current contract to $62,259 in the fourth year of the new contract.

Other benefits of the new contract include reduced health insurance costs, increased paid parental leave, increased paid religious holidays, updates to the audition and tenure processes, and the addition of new titled positions (with the associated pay increase).

In addition, TFO Music Director Michael Francis has signed a contract extension that takes him through to the end of the 2029/30 season — bringing his contract in line with that of the musicians.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who played a role in this remarkable achievement, which underscores a deep commitment and collaboration between the musicians, management and the community we serve," said Ignacio Barrón Viela, TFO President and CEO. "With a positive tone and spirit of openness, we came together for a shared vision of growth and stability for TFO, while continuing to honor the hard work of our musicians. Now we look forward to a new era of innovation, music education and inspiring performances for Tampa Bay."

"I want to offer thanks and congratulations to my colleagues on the Orchestra Committee, as well as our staff and board who demonstrated a vision for future growth at The Florida Orchestra," said Ross Holcombe, Associate Principal Trombonist and Chair of the Orchestra Committee. "This new agreement will help us retain our current musicians and attract exciting new talent."

"This agreement also sends a signal that orchestral music is thriving in Tampa Bay, and that our audiences can look forward to performances of ever higher quality and emotional impact each time they come to hear us. We are lucky to live in a world-class community, and we are grateful to be able to continue to provide a world-class symphony orchestra for Tampa Bay!"