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In a move that might cause a few sour notes, the Phoenix Symphony convinced its musicians to agree to a 17 percent pay cut over the next three years.
The “landmark” deal between the Phoenix Symphony Association and Phoenix Symphony Musicians had to be done: The symphony says its contributions are way down, forcing cuts to operating expenses despite recent sellout events.
Symphony leaders had already tried several money-saving schemes
including “negotiating lower guest artist fees, voluntary staff pay
cuts, staff layoffs, staff pay furloughs as well as administrative and
program budget reductions.” But something even more dramatic had to be
done.
A statement from the Symphony says the minimum salary for musicians
has been reduced to $35,000. All told, the company will save $2 million
in the next three years because of the new cuts.
You’ll have to forgive the orchestra a few sour notes.
