Atlanta Symphony Musicians Sign Deal, but Bitterness Lingers

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians have agreed to a two-year contract that averts a postponement of the ensemble’s new season but appears unlikely to reduce bad blood between players and management, writes The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The deal approved Wednesday carries $5.2-million in pay cuts for musicians, the amount sought by management. Top orchestra executives will give up 6 percent of their collective compensation, partially meeting the players’ demand for administrative spending cuts.

The orchestra and its parent organization, the Woodruff Arts Center, locked out musicians after the previous contract expired August 25 without a new deal in place, fueling a bitter series of public exchanges. The organization’s deficit is projected to reach almost $20-million next year, which management pinned largely on musicians’ rising wages.

Musicians have disputed the claim, and in a scathing statement Wednesday said they “agreed to these deep concessions for one reason alone, and that is to do what they do best: continue to play great music for their public at an extraordinarily high level.”