The Pasadena Symphony Association, the Musicians of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 47 have announced the ratification of a new four-year contract ending in 2015 – an unprecedented term length for the Pasadena Symphony Association. The Musicians of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS have played a vital role in an unwavering journey to achieve the mandate of fiscal solvency as outlined in its 2009 Recovery Plan for a Sustainable Future.
“The Musicians and the Board have maintained a committed and cooperative partnership that has enabled the Pasadena Symphony Association to reach fiscal sustainability while energizing its artistic distinction and empowering community access, an unwavering trademark of this organization throughout its 84 year history,” says Melinda Shea, Pasadena Symphony Association Board President.
After four years of fixed wages, this new master agreement increases the musicians’ base wages by 5% over the course of its term. “The increase in the Musicians’ wages is more than well deserved and has been thoughtfully designed to ensure its sustainability within our multi-year budgetary projections and artistic plans,” explains Paul Jan Zdunek, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Symphony Association. “The Musicians deserve enormous credit as the artistic driving force and heart of this organization. This contract signals a firm commitment by all involved to continue cultivating its nearly century-old service to this community as the pillar of the performing arts.”
“The Pasadena Symphony has a long history of a great relationship between management and musicians. The process and product of these negotiations exemplified this. While all struggled through many changes and challenges, this contract reflects all parties’ interests in continuing and strengthening an important arts organization in the region,” states Andy Malloy, PSA Players Committee Chair. “We hope a four year contract provides stability for planning and growth and will make it possible to improve wages and working conditions and work opportunities for the players as we move forward. It was very clear throughout the negotiations that all parties have the continuing sustainability and development of the organization as a top priority,” added Malloy.
“It’s always a pleasure to do business with management who is understanding to the times we as professional musicians are facing. We understand the economic climate that orchestras are also facing. Throughout the past year, Local 47 and the Pasadena players committee enjoyed enthusiastic bargaining regarding one of our world class orchestras. Along with Vice President.
John Acosta, I personally am very proud to have headed such an outstanding group of players and an understanding group on management’s side. With various astute players on the bargaining unit committee, we were able to come to an understanding and hope our relationship will continue to blossom in the years to come,” states Vince Trombetta, President of Local 47.
Through exceptionally sonorous performances in its winter home at Pasadena’s historic Ambassador Auditorium, the Pasadena Symphony is thriving with consistent critical acclaim providing memorable and intimately moving experiences by the nation’s finest conductors and soloists in both matinee and evening performances. Beginning in summer 2012 the Pasadena POPS, led by legendary composer and orchestra builder Marvin Hamlisch, moves to its summer home at the luxurious and lush Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Hamlisch is a rare star whose extensive body of work has left an indelible mark on popular American music and has helped build the nation’s finest orchestras from coast to coast. Pasadena POPS concerts are a journey through popular music – from the Great American Songbook, light classics, Broadway and Hollywood hits, to Hamlisch’s own list of acclaimed credits.
The Pasadena Symphony Association continues its year-round commitment to building community through music by presenting “Music Under The Stars” (an annual free concert at Pasadena’s City Hall), ringing in the holiday season with its “Holiday Candlelight Concerts,” supporting a full educational outreach series with its Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra program serving more than 200 students in grades 6-9 weekly and introducing musical experiences to young adults and youth from all walks of life through its free monthly Musical Circus performances and Instrument Petting Zoos at the Americana at Brand.