The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players’ Association announced they have reached agreement on a three-year contract extension that will continue through the Orchestra’s 2020/21 season.

Completed more than six months prior to the Sept. 8, 2018 expiration of the current contract, the new agreement will include increases to compensation totaling approximately three percent annually over the three-year period. The agreement was made possible due to the strong financial performance of the institution over the past four years, along with the generosity of an anonymous donor who stepped forward with support for the compensation increases. In addition, the agreement will reflect changes to the Orchestra’s work rules.

During the term of this extension, the Orchestra’s complement will remain unchanged. During the most recent collective bargaining agreement, the ASO agreed to raise $25 million for the Musicians’ Endowment Fund to restore and fund 11 positions in the Orchestra. The ASO exceeded the $25 million goal and completed the campaign two years ahead of schedule. Auditions are in process to fill the final positions to raise the complement to 88 full-time musicians.

“The Musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are pleased that respectful and productive negotiations resulted in this new contract,” said Daniel Laufer, Chair of the Atlanta Symphony Players’ Association. “This agreement is another important step forward in solidifying the financial foundation necessary to support the artistry of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We would like to thank Jennifer Barlament and her senior leadership team, as well as Howard Palefsky, Board Chairman of the ASO, for making a positive difference during these negotiations. We are also very appreciative of the anonymous donor who so strongly believes in the ASO musicians and understood the importance of continuing to restore the compensation package.”

Reflecting a renewed sense of collaboration and trust between musicians and leadership, the negotiation process was conducted quietly over the last several months with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players’ Association, led by chair Daniel Laufer (Associate Principal Cello), vice chair Paul Murphy (Associate Principal Viola) and attorney Kevin Case of Case Arts Law LLC; and a team representing the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra that included Tom Kilpatrick of Alston & Bird, Jennifer Barlament, ASO Executive Director, Susan Ambo, ASO Chief Financial Officer, Russell Williamson, Personnel Manager, Howard Palefsky, ASO Board Chairman and Doug Shipman, CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center.

“I am extremely pleased with the process and the outcome,” said Barlament. "The team approached this negotiation in a remarkably collegial and collaborative manner, working together towards an achievable compromise that offers both artistic progress and financial sustainability. The entire ASO team, from the musicians to the artistic leadership to the Board and staff, have together risen to the challenge of moving the Orchestra to the next phase in its evolution so that we can continue to reflect Atlanta’s growing international profile. In addition, it provides stability to further serve Georgians, and bolsters our ability to attract creative, forward-thinking musical artists.”

“In order to come to this agreement, it was necessary to take a leap of faith,” said Howard Palefsky, Board Chairman of the ASO. “Our ability to afford this agreement depends on the support of generous patrons and donors. We have seen strong growth in earned revenue with Atlanta Symphony Hall LIVE, Movies in Concert, the Family and Holiday Series, and we far exceeded our attendance expectations for the Delta Classical Series. While these are important milestones, there is still work to be done. We will need the support of the Atlanta community to continue to build and strengthen the institution. We are encouraged by the extraordinary progress that has been made in a relatively short time, we are grateful for the faith and support that have been placed in the ASO, and we invite the community to join us in supporting this institution.”