Louisville Orchestra and Musician’s Union Announce Successful Negotiation of New Collective Bargaining Agreement, Ensuring Continued Commitment to Musical Excellence and Community Engagement
A Transformative Agreement Sets the Stage for Innovation, Growth, and Deepened Community Ties.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (August 28, 2024) – The Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Federation of Musicians Local 11 – 637 of the American Federation of Musicians are pleased to announce the successful completion of a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that promises to ensure the growth of the organization and redefine its role as a cultural leader in 2024. This new accord, reached through a negotiation process marked by mutual respect and a shared vision, marks a significant step forward for both the orchestra and the broader Louisville community.
Just 13 years ago, the Louisville Orchestra’s management and its musicians faced significant challenges, culminating in a work stoppage that highlighted the deep divisions of the time. Today, in a national climate where labor relations often remain fraught with tension, these CBA negotiations stand out as a model for positive change. Thanks to a renewed commitment to collaboration based on shared objectives, the orchestra has transformed past adversities into a foundation for cooperation and innovation. This new agreement is not just a set of terms; it is a comprehensive blueprint for the future, reflecting the orchestra’s dedication to artistic excellence, diversity, community outreach, and the well-being of its members.
“This agreement represents a transformative leap forward for the Louisville Orchestra, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our history,” said Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra. “By working hand-in-hand with our musicians, we have crafted a visionary plan that ensures the Louisville Orchestra remains a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence. Our new collective bargaining agreement is a testament to our commitment to not only sustaining but elevating the orchestra as a destination for top talent and a cherished community institution.”
“The changes we collectively agreed upon go beyond superficial updates,” said Jonathan Mueller, Chairperson of the Louisville Orchestra Musicians Committee. “We undertook a complete, fundamental review of the entire contract, examining every word and clause to ensure they aligned with the needs of our musicians and our united vision for the future. This agreement not only honors the incredible dedication of our musicians but is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to the future growth of the Louisville Orchestra.”
The negotiation process was defined by a progressive and forward-looking approach. Through open dialogue and a commitment to mutual understanding, the Orchestra and its musician representatives successfully addressed key problems and aligned on a path forward. As a result, significant portions of the existing contract were updated to ensure that every aspect reflects the current needs and aspirations of the organization and its musicians.
The new agreement is built on a bold vision for the future, focused on four key pillars:
- Elevating the Orchestra’s National Standing: A Magnet for World-Class Talent
The agreement includes significant enhancements to compensation, health benefits, and worker protections, making the Louisville Orchestra more competitive for the world’s top talent. With pay increases of 8% in the first year, followed by a total of 9% over the following two years, along with matching contributions to the 403(b) plan and increased life and instrument insurance, the orchestra becomes an attractive destination for the world’s most accomplished musicians. This commitment to excellence will enable the Louisville Orchestra to continue drawing top-tier talent, fostering an environment where artists can build long-term, fulfilling careers while enriching the cultural landscape of Louisville.
- Embracing Artistic Excellence: A Broadening of Horizons
The Louisville Orchestra has updated its audition and hiring processes to attract and retain exceptional talent. This includes a comprehensive refreshment of the tenure process, and a more fair audition and hiring process which is designed to reduce bias and attract a broader and more diverse candidate pool. These enhancements are designed to maintain the orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence while allowing for fresh perspectives that resonate with an evolving and diverse audience.
- Prioritizing Musicians’ Well-Being: Safeguarding Health and Longevity
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by professional musicians, the Louisville Orchestra has introduced targeted benefits that prioritize the health and well-being of its members. In partnership with the Heuser Hearing Institute, the orchestra will provide custom-fit earplugs to all musicians, safeguarding their hearing and ensuring their ability to perform at the highest levels for years to come. In addition, new guidelines for working conditions, including overtime flexibility and safety protocols, have been established to create a more supportive and sustainable work environment. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to creating a workplace that allows musicians to thrive both on and off the stage.
- Deepening Community Engagement: Music for All Corners of Kentucky
A cornerstone of the new collective bargaining agreement is the orchestra’s strengthened commitment to community engagement, with a particular focus on expanding the “In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra.” Building on lessons from past tours, the agreement has been thoughtfully revised to streamline operations and remove logistical barriers. Key improvements include updated and more flexible travel rules, increased tour-related pay and benefits, and structured services to maintain high performance standards. These changes will enable the Louisville Orchestra to bring free, world-class performances to more communities across Kentucky and expand educational initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through these efforts, the Louisville Orchestra reaffirms its mission to make music accessible to all, solidifying its role as a vital cultural resource for the entire region.
“We are united in our mission to deliver exceptional music and foster community engagement in Louisville and beyond,” said Andrew Fleischman, Board of Directors Chair. “This agreement sets the stage for a bright future where musicians and management work hand-in-hand to continue the Louisville Orchestra’s legacy of artistic excellence and innovation.”
The ratification of this collective bargaining agreement marks a defining moment in the history of the Louisville Orchestra, signaling its ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and the transformative power of music. As the orchestra embarks on this new chapter, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future—one that is rooted in a deep connection to its community and a steadfast dedication to artistic excellence.
“Management and labor together had a shared objective to negotiate a world-class contract for our musicians: one which rewards our musicians with compensation, benefits, and a supportive work environment. Negotiations were carried out with respect, open communication, and professional regard throughout. Both Management and the Orchestra Musicians Committee worked tirelessly and cooperatively to build bridges to understanding jointly leading to a collective vision for The Louisville Orchestra’s future,” said Anthony Minstein, President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Louisville Federation of Musicians, Local 11 – 637. “The result is an agreement that truly belongs to all and stands as a foundation for continued artistic excellence and cooperation.”
This agreement not only honors the incredible dedication of our musicians but is also a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to the future growth of the Louisville Orchestra.
The Louisville Orchestra season opens on September 14 at Whitney Hall with The Planets, featuring Holst’s sonic blockbuster, and continues with programs that include Stravinsky’s Firebird, Richard Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2, and Takemitsu’s Star Isle. This 2024-2025 season will feature world-class guest artists such as Ray Chen in the Barber Violin Concerto and the legendary Midori in Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, as well as appearances by Rick Steves, Erik-Michael Estrada, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Jeff Timmons. Tickets and information are available at LouisvilleOrchestra.org.
###
About the Louisville Orchestra
The Louisville Orchestra was created in 1937 and sprung up in a time of need, just after the great flood and in the wake of the depression. Robert Whitney was invited to conduct the newly established orchestra, known then as the Louisville Philharmonic, and arrived from Chicago that same year. In its formation, the goal was to create a new model for the American symphony orchestra, as it was conceived through an ambitious effort that emphasized innovation through the commissioning, performance, and recording of new works by contemporary composers. The Louisville Orchestra garnered international critical acclaim, became the first orchestra to establish a record label, and cemented a place in history for its contribution to contemporary classical music. In its first two decades, the Louisville Orchestra commissioned/recorded up to 52 new works annually and ultimately created 150 vinyl recordings (LPs) of more than 450 works.
The Louisville Orchestra continues to be recognized as a cornerstone of the Louisville performing arts community. Music Director Teddy Abrams has helmed the Louisville Orchestra since 2014, and the Louisville Orchestra has returned to its origins of commissioning new music and recording, having released two albums under the prestigious Decca Gold label. A wide variety of immersive and innovative concert performances and educational programming continue to receive national attention. Recent press coverage includes articles and mentions in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and CBS Sunday Morning. Accolades include three invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall; the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming; the League of American Orchestras 2019 Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service; and 19 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) awards for adventurous programming in use of contemporary music.
Media Contacts:
Mallory Kramer
Director of Marketing Louisville Orchestra
mkramer@louisvilleorchestra.org
Anthony Minstein
President, Secretary and Treasurer Louisville Federation of Musicians Local 11 – 637
pres@louisvillemusicians.org
https://louisvillemusicians.org/
