“Many orchestras are outlining new terms with their musicians that will enable both sides to continue working but at reduced circumstances” during the pandemic, writes Susan Elliott in Thursday’s (10/1) Musical America (subscription required). “These so-called ‘side letters’ to their current contracts generally address specifics ranging from health care to safety measures during group performances to pay scale. Minnesota and Detroit [orchestras] have recently done so, and now the New Jersey Symphony has joined them in a one-year side letter that runs through August 31, 2021. Having arrived at an agreement last May that enabled flexibility for solo and ensemble services, as well as social media, education, and community work, the musicians have now agreed officially to reduce services by 40 percent; base pay and health insurance terms remain the same. Two open positions will remain as such, and a new media arrangement enables recording and streaming of concerts. Musicians may take an unpaid sabbatical for all or part of the 2020–21 season; musicians at high risk of coronavirus may complete all services virtually…. Upon the conclusion of the 2020–21 season, the full terms of the current collective bargaining agreement, which runs through August 31, 2022, will resume.”