In Thursday’s (4/2) Arizona Republic (Phoenix), Jahna Berry reports, “Phoenix Symphony musicians could become part-time workers under a proposal to help balance the 60-year-old organization’s budget, a labor union says. Phoenix Symphony musicians haven’t worked part time in three decades, said Mark Dix, a spokesman for the American Federation of Musicians, Local 586. The union represents 76 symphony musicians. The change would shorten the orchestra’s 40-week season, which features 200 performances. A sharp slide in donations has forced the Phoenix Symphony to raise $2 million by June 30, said Maryellen Gleason, the symphony’s president and CEO. Gleason declined to comment on specific proposals the organization is considering to balance its $12 million operating budget. … At the Phoenix Symphony, ticket sales have been strong, Gleason said. But while ticket sales are on track to reach $5 million, it’s not enough to make up for the drop in donations. The organization has pared $1 million from its $12 million operating budget.”
Posted April 3, 2009
