In Wednesday’s (9/19) Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville), Charlie Patton writes, “The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s 2012-13 season, Fabio Mechetti’s last full season as musical director and principal conductor, might not happen. With the orchestra’s finances ‘on life support right now’ because of ongoing budget deficits, the Jacksonville Symphony Association board declared an impasse Tuesday in its negotiations with its musicians. As a result, it will implement its last offer to the musicians, an offer that includes a salary reduction of almost 20 percent for orchestra’s 53 core positions. … ‘We are still planning to go ahead with opening night. But we are not optimistic,’ ” said board Chairman-elect Martin Connor, a member of the board’s negotiating committee. “The 2012-13 season is scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 28, with a performance of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Peter Wright, principal clarinetist of the orchestra and president of the American Federation of Musician’s Local 444, said there will be an emergency meeting of the orchestra in the next few days to discuss options. … Symphony executive director Stacy Ridenour said: ‘We value [the musicians’] dedication and their talent. It’s not a matter of what they deserve. It’s what we can afford.’ Over last three years, the symphony has sustained a total loss of almost $1.2 million and is currently about $3 million in debt. Operating in 2012-13 on the same terms as it operated in 2011-12, it would lose another $1.5 million, Ridenour estimated.”
Posted September 19, 2012
