In Tuesday’s (10/23) Bradenton Herald (Florida), Wade Tatangelo writes, “The Sarasota Orchestra and its musicians have agreed on a contract that covers 2011-12 as well as the next three seasons. The agreement includes wage increases for musicians for 1.5 percent in this 2012-13 season and 1 percent in the next two seasons, the Sarasota Orchestra announced Monday. The parties also agreed to transition from a defined benefit pension plan to a 403(b) retirement plan, which is the non-profit version of the private sector 401(k) retirement plan. Orchestra musicians will continue to receive health, life and disability insurance coverage under the new agreement. Another highlight of the new contract is the conversion of three per service musicians into the core orchestra who regularly perform all the major concert series starting in the 2014-2015 season. … The Sarasota Orchestra season remains at 36 weeks. The terms of the contract also were made possible by confirmation of performance dates at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall through the 2014-15 season. The Van Wezel is the orchestra’s primary performance venue for the Masterworks and Pops Series.”
Posted October 23, 2012
