This is our 72nd Season Announcement
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ATL SYMPHONY MUSICIANS
We are the 88 professional musicians who make up the internationally renowned, 28 Grammy award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We are cultural ambassadors proudly providing Atlanta and Georgia with musical performances of the highest artistic caliber.
The ATL Symphony Musicians have ratified a new four year agreement with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra management. We are proud to have an agreement that includes a fixed complement of 88 musicians, steady pay increases and a new health insurance policy that contains an employer contribution to an HSA.
We could not have weathered these difficult times without the incredible support from our donors and advocates. We have felt the love from all our supporters here in the Atlanta area, as well as stretching across the USA and beyond, and we look forward to everyone's continued support, for our work is certainly not done.
Please come to Symphony Hall to hear great symphonic music by your Atlanta Symphony Orchestra!
We are the 88 professional musicians who make up the internationally renowned, 28 Grammy award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We are cultural ambassadors proudly providing Atlanta and Georgia with musical performances of the highest artistic caliber.
The ATL Symphony Musicians have ratified a new four year agreement with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra management. We are proud to have an agreement that includes a fixed complement of 88 musicians, steady pay increases and a new health insurance policy that contains an employer contribution to an HSA.
We could not have weathered these difficult times without the incredible support from our donors and advocates. We have felt the love from all our supporters here in the Atlanta area, as well as stretching across the USA and beyond, and we look forward to everyone's continued support, for our work is certainly not done.
Please come to Symphony Hall to hear great symphonic music by your Atlanta Symphony Orchestra!
Musicians’ Endowment Fund Exceeds $25 Million Goal!
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra·Thursday, October 27, 2016
Thanks to a very generous pledge of $2.5 million from The Delta Air Lines Foundation, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has exceeded its $25 Million Musicians’ Endowment Campaign goal, nearly two years ahead of schedule.
The Musicians’ Endowment Fund was created to restore 11 positions to the Orchestra by 2018. To date, more than $25 Million in funds have been committed and nine musicians have joined the Orchestra over the past year, six as a result of the Endowment. The Orchestra plans to fill the remaining positions early in the 2017-18 season.
Over the past year, the Orchestra has welcomed seven new musicians to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra family with additional auditions planned this fall.
To recognize the generous gift from The Delta Air Lines Foundation, the Principal Tuba Chair, held by Michael Moore, will be endowed and named The Delta Air Lines Chair. The named chair is a fitting tribute to Moore, who is celebrating his 49th season with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
This achievement would not be possible without the support from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra family and the Atlanta community. In addition to The Delta Air Lines Foundation, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra would like to recognize The Robert Woodruff Foundation, the Estate of Betty Gage Holland, Connie and Merrell Calhoun, Sally and Carl Gable, the Abraham J. and Phyllis Katz Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, The Philip and Irene Toll Gage Foundation, Solon and Marianna Patterson, Lucy R. & Gary Lee, Jr., UPS, Wells Fargo, along with two anonymous donors in recognition of Betty Fuller and Terry Neal. These donors join The Delta Air Lines Foundation in contributions of one million dollars or more, which will help ensure the future of this institution for generations to come.
“This is a major accomplishment for the ASO—a critical and foundational step. We have much more work to do toward re-establishing the stability and vibrancy of our Orchestra, but what a great moment to celebrate what has so quickly been accomplished. And to thank the many parties who have been so generous—not only with their money, but also time, passion and commitment. Here’s to a bright future!”
Robert Spano, Music Director, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
This achievement would not be possible without the support from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra family and the Atlanta community. In addition to The Delta Air Lines Foundation, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra would like to recognize The Robert Woodruff Foundation, the Estate of Betty Gage Holland, Connie and Merrell Calhoun, Sally and Carl Gable, the Abraham J. and Phyllis Katz Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, The Philip and Irene Toll Gage Foundation, Solon and Marianna Patterson, Lucy R. & Gary Lee, Jr., UPS, Wells Fargo, along with two anonymous donors in recognition of Betty Fuller and Terry Neal. These donors join The Delta Air Lines Foundation in contributions of one million dollars or more, which will help ensure the future of this institution for generations to come.
“This is a major accomplishment for the ASO—a critical and foundational step. We have much more work to do toward re-establishing the stability and vibrancy of our Orchestra, but what a great moment to celebrate what has so quickly been accomplished. And to thank the many parties who have been so generous—not only with their money, but also time, passion and commitment. Here’s to a bright future!”
Robert Spano, Music Director, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The ATL Symphony Musicians don green in support of the Fort Worth Symphony Musicians #GROWTHNOTCUTS
For more information about upcoming concert events featuring the ATL Symphony Musicians please visit www.ATLSMFoundation.org. Donations to the ATL Symphony Musicians Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, are used to produce concerts and community events which feature ATL Symphony Musicians. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible under government guidelines.
Contact the ATL Symphony Musicians Foundation if you'd like to help produce a concert, become a volunteer, be a concert sponsor, purchase tickets, and more. The music is ongoing!
Contact the ATL Symphony Musicians Foundation if you'd like to help produce a concert, become a volunteer, be a concert sponsor, purchase tickets, and more. The music is ongoing!
It is official! ATL Symphony Musicians Foundation has been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS. Donations made to the Foundation are tax deductible under government guidelines.
Thank you for your gifts!
If you would like to make a tax deductible gift please visit the
ATL Symphony Musicians Foundation web site www.ATLSMFoundation.org.
Thank you for your gifts!
If you would like to make a tax deductible gift please visit the
ATL Symphony Musicians Foundation web site www.ATLSMFoundation.org.
Happy New Year From the ATL Symphony Musicians December 31, 2015
Dear Supporters,
As 2015 draws to a quick close, all of us would like to wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year ahead. This year has brought many positive changes to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and we look forward to building on these successes as we enter 2016. We would like to thank all of the wonderful supporters in our community and across the country, our ASO Board and WAC Leadership, and the ASO staff including the team running ASO Presents which plays a vital role in the successful financial foundation of our organization. Working together, we have been able to restore many vital positions in the orchestra, increase attendance at our concerts, and produce a balanced budget for the first time in many years. Much work is still ahead for us as we enter 2016, and we are on the right path towards continued sustainability and restorative growth.
Please join us for fabulous concerts in January, and if you would like to make a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, you may do so at www.aso.org.
Happy New Year!
The Musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
As 2015 draws to a quick close, all of us would like to wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year ahead. This year has brought many positive changes to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and we look forward to building on these successes as we enter 2016. We would like to thank all of the wonderful supporters in our community and across the country, our ASO Board and WAC Leadership, and the ASO staff including the team running ASO Presents which plays a vital role in the successful financial foundation of our organization. Working together, we have been able to restore many vital positions in the orchestra, increase attendance at our concerts, and produce a balanced budget for the first time in many years. Much work is still ahead for us as we enter 2016, and we are on the right path towards continued sustainability and restorative growth.
Please join us for fabulous concerts in January, and if you would like to make a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, you may do so at www.aso.org.
Happy New Year!
The Musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Are you a Georgia resident who feels that the state should increase funding for the arts? Follow the link below to send a personalized message your legislators. Thanks to the Georgia Arts Network for setting this up, and let's send a strong message that the arts are a crucial part of a great state!
Opinion: Assessing Atlanta’s strengths, challenges
Posted: 12:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 @myajc.com
By Doug Hertz
But the arts deserve support and attention as well.
The Woodruff Arts Center has grown into the third-largest arts center in the U.S. and it continues to produce great art at the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. But opportunities are limited and challenges are very real because the arts are almost entirely dependent on private support.
Today, the state of Georgia ranks 50th – dead last — among all states in support for the arts. Just a small infusion of taxpayer money would make a huge difference in assuring that the arts can continue to thrive, not only at the Woodruff Arts Center but across the entire arts community.
Every great city touts its quality of life in order to attract new investment. International investors and visitors, in particular, place a very high premium on the arts in their assessment of quality of life. Like transportation, green space and health care/research, the city and state need to invest in the arts to assure that Atlanta’s quality of life continues to measure up.
A native Atlantan, Doug Hertz is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Woodruff Arts Center. He is also president and CEO of United Distributors Inc.
Posted: 12:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 @myajc.com
By Doug Hertz
But the arts deserve support and attention as well.
The Woodruff Arts Center has grown into the third-largest arts center in the U.S. and it continues to produce great art at the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. But opportunities are limited and challenges are very real because the arts are almost entirely dependent on private support.
Today, the state of Georgia ranks 50th – dead last — among all states in support for the arts. Just a small infusion of taxpayer money would make a huge difference in assuring that the arts can continue to thrive, not only at the Woodruff Arts Center but across the entire arts community.
Every great city touts its quality of life in order to attract new investment. International investors and visitors, in particular, place a very high premium on the arts in their assessment of quality of life. Like transportation, green space and health care/research, the city and state need to invest in the arts to assure that Atlanta’s quality of life continues to measure up.
A native Atlantan, Doug Hertz is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Woodruff Arts Center. He is also president and CEO of United Distributors Inc.
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Robert Spano leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in stirring readings, and the emotion and power of the performances makes a compelling case for the album, surely for any who find themselves brooding over the subject of war.
AllMusic Review by Blair Sanderson |
January 7, 2015 | ASO receives $1.25 million gift to endow one of eleven full-time musician positions
Many thanks to Sally and Carl Gable for their generous gift and for their belief in a world-class ASO! Let's hope this generous gift inspires more giving from the Arts lovers and patrons of Atlanta.
This is great news to begin 2015!
Many thanks to Sally and Carl Gable for their generous gift and for their belief in a world-class ASO! Let's hope this generous gift inspires more giving from the Arts lovers and patrons of Atlanta.
This is great news to begin 2015!
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, which seeks to endow 11 full-time musician positions over the next four years at a cost of approximately $25 million, received a $1.25 million gift from an Atlanta couple, announced Wednesday.
The gift from longtime ASO patrons Sally and Carl Gable is an incipient one in the ASO’s drive to add 11 endowed full-time positions by the end of the 2017-18 season.
“We’re just committed to a vibrant, thriving future for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,” Sally Gable said on Thursday. “We’ve been going to concerts for 50 years, since we arrived in Atlanta in 1964, and we love the symphony and know and love (a number of) the members. I can’t imagine living without the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.”
“I think everybody now is just pulling forward and looking forward to the future,” said Gable, who said she’d like to see the ensemble grow to 95 and return to touring internationally.
The gift from longtime ASO patrons Sally and Carl Gable is an incipient one in the ASO’s drive to add 11 endowed full-time positions by the end of the 2017-18 season.
“We’re just committed to a vibrant, thriving future for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,” Sally Gable said on Thursday. “We’ve been going to concerts for 50 years, since we arrived in Atlanta in 1964, and we love the symphony and know and love (a number of) the members. I can’t imagine living without the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.”
“I think everybody now is just pulling forward and looking forward to the future,” said Gable, who said she’d like to see the ensemble grow to 95 and return to touring internationally.
Save Our Symphony Atlanta is a non-profit citizens advocacy group, dedicated to the preservation of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, in perpetuity. Please follow them and encourage all your friends who support the ATL Symphony Musicians to follow us as soon as possible. This is critically important!
Follow SOSA on FACEBOOK
Follow SOSA on TWITTER
Follow SOSA on FACEBOOK
Follow SOSA on TWITTER
Remarks to ASO Board of Directors and WAC Leadership
By Paul Murphy, President of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association
November 17, 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The tragically delayed Opening of the ASO’s 70th Season last week could not have been a more celebratory or exciting event -- two completely sold out concerts with our beloved Music Director and Chorus, excellent soloists, including the incomparable David Coucheron, and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony! The audience’s enthusiasm almost brought the house down. The mood and message could not have been more in contrast to that of the months that preceded it…perhaps the darkest hour for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, whose house was almost brought down in a very different and rancorous way that I think we all realize could and should have been avoided.
I have been thinking these last few days how reminiscent our situation has been to the kind of “near miss” which many of us have experienced at some point in our lives -- a close call on the highway; narrowly averted danger to a child; recovery from a personal near death experience; or pulling back just before making a terribly wrong split-second decision. The moments immediately following such an event fill us with an overwhelming sense of relief, and then gratitude for what we have and almost, unthinkably, lost. We have been to that brink with the ASO. We almost lost something incredibly precious to each of us in this room, a source of entertainment and enlightenment for tens of thousands of music lovers of all ages, backgrounds and social standing that it has taken many decades to build.
We are grateful for you and for what we have, and know you share our hope for better days. We also know that that is not enough – now, or ever again! We all need to commit to making it better -- our individual and corporate fundraising, our marketing and programming of concert offerings and new revenue opportunities that will excite our public, fostering broad awareness of the value our ASO brings to our citizens and to the stature of Atlanta as a major metropolitan and cultural center, communication within every level of our organization, and, key to it all, the vital task of finding the successful, knowledgeable, dynamic leader with the experience to advocate for and support our art form, to be the ASO’s next CEO.
We are truly thrilled by the public showing of support for Atlanta having a great Symphony Orchestra, and by the knowledge that we can achieve more than we have let ourselves believe possible. It will take all of us -- working, questioning, and advocating together, while the Orchestra is making great music -- to bring forth from the depths of the sacrifice and struggle that every one of us in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association has experienced during the last two years this new day for the ASO.
Together we can be an Atlanta Symphony that will be an even better ambassador, and brighter cultural star shining on Atlanta and the Southeast.
By Paul Murphy, President of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association
November 17, 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The tragically delayed Opening of the ASO’s 70th Season last week could not have been a more celebratory or exciting event -- two completely sold out concerts with our beloved Music Director and Chorus, excellent soloists, including the incomparable David Coucheron, and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony! The audience’s enthusiasm almost brought the house down. The mood and message could not have been more in contrast to that of the months that preceded it…perhaps the darkest hour for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, whose house was almost brought down in a very different and rancorous way that I think we all realize could and should have been avoided.
I have been thinking these last few days how reminiscent our situation has been to the kind of “near miss” which many of us have experienced at some point in our lives -- a close call on the highway; narrowly averted danger to a child; recovery from a personal near death experience; or pulling back just before making a terribly wrong split-second decision. The moments immediately following such an event fill us with an overwhelming sense of relief, and then gratitude for what we have and almost, unthinkably, lost. We have been to that brink with the ASO. We almost lost something incredibly precious to each of us in this room, a source of entertainment and enlightenment for tens of thousands of music lovers of all ages, backgrounds and social standing that it has taken many decades to build.
We are grateful for you and for what we have, and know you share our hope for better days. We also know that that is not enough – now, or ever again! We all need to commit to making it better -- our individual and corporate fundraising, our marketing and programming of concert offerings and new revenue opportunities that will excite our public, fostering broad awareness of the value our ASO brings to our citizens and to the stature of Atlanta as a major metropolitan and cultural center, communication within every level of our organization, and, key to it all, the vital task of finding the successful, knowledgeable, dynamic leader with the experience to advocate for and support our art form, to be the ASO’s next CEO.
We are truly thrilled by the public showing of support for Atlanta having a great Symphony Orchestra, and by the knowledge that we can achieve more than we have let ourselves believe possible. It will take all of us -- working, questioning, and advocating together, while the Orchestra is making great music -- to bring forth from the depths of the sacrifice and struggle that every one of us in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association has experienced during the last two years this new day for the ASO.
Together we can be an Atlanta Symphony that will be an even better ambassador, and brighter cultural star shining on Atlanta and the Southeast.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November, 2014
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION,
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORHCESTRA AND THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER
COMPLETE NEW FOUR-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
70TH Anniversary Season To Begin November 13, 2014 With
Music Director Robert Spano Conducting Orchestra and Chorus
The 70th anniversary season of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will open on Thursday, November 13, after the Orchestra’s musicians and management came to terms on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement this week.
Robert Spano, Music Director of the ASO, will conduct the Orchestra and Chorus performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 with David Coucheron on November 13 and 15.
The new agreement was reached Thursday after lengthy negotiation sessions between the musicians and management with mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. The agreement was approved by the Woodruff Arts Center’s Governing Board and ratified by the membership of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players’ Association over the last two days.
“We are thrilled we have been able to reach agreement with the musicians,” said Virginia A. Hepner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Woodruff Arts Center. “Over the last several difficult weeks of negotiations, both sides recognized that we all share the same goals and aspirations – we all want a world class orchestra that the musicians and city are proud of and one that has long-term financial stability. We believe this new agreement is one that will allow us to achieve those goals.”
“This agreement brings the restoration of a harmonious relationship within everyone's grasp based on work we must do together to restore missing positions in the Orchestra while stabilizing and advancing the financial position of the Woodruff Arts Center and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,” said Paul Murphy, ASO Associate Principal Violist and President of the Musicians’ negotiating team.
The new agreement calls for a six percent pay increase for the musicians over the four years; participation by the musicians in a new high-deductible healthcare plan, which will include increased premium contributions by the musicians and additionally provides substantial savings to the ASO; an initial complement of 77 musicians in year one, a goal of 81 musicians in year two and a commitment to 84 musicians by the end of year three and 88 musicians by the end of year four.
“Both sides made significant concessions during these negotiations, and we are grateful for the musicians’ willingness to work with us to reach a new agreement,” Ms. Hepner said. “While completion of the agreement is wonderful news, the reality is that the hard work begins now. Together we must find new, compelling ways to engage the community to assure the support the Symphony needs. We must work together with Music Director Robert Spano and our musicians to get more people in Symphony Hall and more donors willing to support our extraordinary Orchestra. We are confident we can make that happen.”
“We have already seen proof of that support from the Board of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Their commitment over the last few weeks to provide the Orchestra with additional, extraordinary financial support gave us important flexibility as we finalized the new agreement. The Board deserves the gratitude of everyone who loves the Orchestra.”
“We are grateful and humbled by the incredible outpouring of support displayed for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from our community as well as across the country and around the world. The unwavering support for the Musicians and the ASO as an institution by both Music Director Robert Spano and Donald Runnicles, Principal Guest Conductor of the ASO, never can be fully expressed in words, but we are grateful to have such inspiring artistic leaders both on and off the stage,” added Danny Laufer, ASO Associate Principal Cellist and Vice-President of the Musicians’ negotiating team.
“The Musicians especially appreciate WAC Chariman Doug Hertz’ personal efforts in the final days to bring this very difficult negotiation to a successful conclusion,” added Mr. Murphy.
Both Ms. Hepner and Mr. Murphy praised the work of Ms. Allison Beck, Acting Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and Mr. Richard Giacolone, Commissioner of the FMCS.
“The mediation process was crucial in helping bring about this new agreement,” said Ms. Hepner. “We want to thank Ms. Beck and Mr. Giacolone for their tireless efforts during these last few weeks.”
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION,
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORHCESTRA AND THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER
COMPLETE NEW FOUR-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
70TH Anniversary Season To Begin November 13, 2014 With
Music Director Robert Spano Conducting Orchestra and Chorus
The 70th anniversary season of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will open on Thursday, November 13, after the Orchestra’s musicians and management came to terms on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement this week.
Robert Spano, Music Director of the ASO, will conduct the Orchestra and Chorus performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 with David Coucheron on November 13 and 15.
The new agreement was reached Thursday after lengthy negotiation sessions between the musicians and management with mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. The agreement was approved by the Woodruff Arts Center’s Governing Board and ratified by the membership of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players’ Association over the last two days.
“We are thrilled we have been able to reach agreement with the musicians,” said Virginia A. Hepner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Woodruff Arts Center. “Over the last several difficult weeks of negotiations, both sides recognized that we all share the same goals and aspirations – we all want a world class orchestra that the musicians and city are proud of and one that has long-term financial stability. We believe this new agreement is one that will allow us to achieve those goals.”
“This agreement brings the restoration of a harmonious relationship within everyone's grasp based on work we must do together to restore missing positions in the Orchestra while stabilizing and advancing the financial position of the Woodruff Arts Center and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,” said Paul Murphy, ASO Associate Principal Violist and President of the Musicians’ negotiating team.
The new agreement calls for a six percent pay increase for the musicians over the four years; participation by the musicians in a new high-deductible healthcare plan, which will include increased premium contributions by the musicians and additionally provides substantial savings to the ASO; an initial complement of 77 musicians in year one, a goal of 81 musicians in year two and a commitment to 84 musicians by the end of year three and 88 musicians by the end of year four.
“Both sides made significant concessions during these negotiations, and we are grateful for the musicians’ willingness to work with us to reach a new agreement,” Ms. Hepner said. “While completion of the agreement is wonderful news, the reality is that the hard work begins now. Together we must find new, compelling ways to engage the community to assure the support the Symphony needs. We must work together with Music Director Robert Spano and our musicians to get more people in Symphony Hall and more donors willing to support our extraordinary Orchestra. We are confident we can make that happen.”
“We have already seen proof of that support from the Board of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Their commitment over the last few weeks to provide the Orchestra with additional, extraordinary financial support gave us important flexibility as we finalized the new agreement. The Board deserves the gratitude of everyone who loves the Orchestra.”
“We are grateful and humbled by the incredible outpouring of support displayed for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from our community as well as across the country and around the world. The unwavering support for the Musicians and the ASO as an institution by both Music Director Robert Spano and Donald Runnicles, Principal Guest Conductor of the ASO, never can be fully expressed in words, but we are grateful to have such inspiring artistic leaders both on and off the stage,” added Danny Laufer, ASO Associate Principal Cellist and Vice-President of the Musicians’ negotiating team.
“The Musicians especially appreciate WAC Chariman Doug Hertz’ personal efforts in the final days to bring this very difficult negotiation to a successful conclusion,” added Mr. Murphy.
Both Ms. Hepner and Mr. Murphy praised the work of Ms. Allison Beck, Acting Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and Mr. Richard Giacolone, Commissioner of the FMCS.
“The mediation process was crucial in helping bring about this new agreement,” said Ms. Hepner. “We want to thank Ms. Beck and Mr. Giacolone for their tireless efforts during these last few weeks.”
Keep the Atlanta Symphony in the Major Leagues | October 16, 2014
1) The ASO has over 100 recordings and has won 27 Grammy Awards, 2nd only to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
2) The ASO played for over 3 billion people in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games making it Cultural Ambassadors for the city of Atlanta.
3) The ARTS generate $300 million to Atlanta's economy each year.
4) The ASO musicians play for over a half million people every year. Our outreach programs reach a wide geographical and cultural audience.
3 Factors Indicate "Major League" Status
SALARY
The ASO currently is 18th in salary. 17 orchestras rank higher.
SIZE / COMPLEMENT
The ASO musicians were cut from 95 musicians to 88 in 2012. Other major orchestras have between 95 - 106 musicians.
SEASON / WEEKS
1) In the 2012 lockout, the ASO Season was cut from 52 weeks to 42. This is a major loss of status among our peer orchestras in the USA.
2) With only 42 weeks in our season, we no longer play in July or August.
3) The concerts played during this time reached our most cultural, geographical and ethnically diverse audiences.
4) We no longer play 4th of July, National Broadcast of the MLK concert, National Black Arts Festival, annual New Year's Eve concert.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra should be restored to its previous status (2012) keeping it in the Major Leagues and maintaining it as the "Cultural Jewel" not only of Atlanta, but also of the entire Southeast USA.
MAJOR-LEAGUE PLAYERS, IN TUNE WITH OUR COMMUNITY
