“After an unusual public airing of concerns by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians, BSO board of directors chair Barbara Bozzuto said Monday that channels of communication within the organization would be increased,” writes Tim Smith in Tuesday’s (3/11) Baltimore Sun. “As reported in the Baltimore Sun on Monday, the players’ committee, which is elected by the musicians, expressed disappointment with the slow pace of filling vacancies, increased reliance on substitute players, compensation and increased workloads. Bozzuto, who has already had several lunch meetings with the players’ committee this season, said all those issues would be discussed in the future…. On Monday afternoon, musicians said their intention was not to detract from the centennial [season] announcement. ‘We obviously fully support the 100th-season launch and everything associated with it,’ said players committee co-chair Greg Mulligan…. The BSO has 79 of the 83 musicians … required by contract. BSO President and CEO Paul Meecham said in an email that management is ‘committed to living up to that agreement, and the musicians are very much part of the process.’ ” Bozzuto added, “Fundraising is the key. That’s what I tell my musician friends. Give us some time. It’s very difficult raising money in this climate.”
Posted March 11, 2015
