New collective bargaining agreement for Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra musicians

“The Chautauqua Institution announced a new agreement with the musicians of the resident Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra [that] extends the current Collective Bargaining Agreement through September 2021, but makes some important adjustments that provide for flexibility and creativity in planning the ensemble’s 2021 season,” writes Joseph Dugan in Wednesday’s (3/17) NYS Music (New York State). “Performances will occur Weeks Three through Seven of Chautauqua’s nine-week Summer Assembly, and will often feature a smaller ensemble, with all musicians distanced and non-wind and -brass players masked…. Repertoire will be designed to showcase the members of the CSO [and] highlight a diverse range of composers and compositions…. The CSO’s opening night will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Elegía Andina…. [Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra Music Director Rossen] Milanov will share the Amphitheater podium in 2021 with Stuart Chafetz, the CSO’s longtime principal timpanist, who was named the ensemble’s first-ever principal pops conductor in November 2019…. In addition to the CSO schedule, 2021 patrons will enjoy the Music School Festival Orchestra on Monday evenings Weeks One through Four, with a special additional performance on Saturday, July 3, keeping symphonic music as the centerpiece of Chautauqua’s Independence Day celebration.”