The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Signs a 5-Year Contract with the Local 625 of the American Federation of Musicians

Ann Arbor- The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce that a five-year contract between the A2SO and Local 625 of the American Federation of Musicians has just been signed. The Agreement, which runs through July 31, 2018, reflects the positive relations among the musicians, board and administration.

A2SO Board President Bob Gates said, AThis is another reason for all of us to be proud of our Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. We respect our musicians as professionals. We care about the positive and welcoming experience for our patrons. Everyone at the bargaining table shares the same goals of artistic excellence, commitment to financial sustainability, and service to our community. The acceptance of this amicable Agreement coincides with Conductor Arie Lipsky=s upcoming move to Ann Arbor. It signals a renewed energy and commitment to the highest-quality music making for our community. We are all optimistic about this orchestra=s positive future.@

AThe musicians of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra are pleased to have ratified a contract that will enhance our orchestra=s ability to connect with and enrich an ever-increasing number of lives through the beauty and power of music,@ said Tim Michling, A2SO Principal Oboist and spokesperson for the musicians. AIncreased compensation levels present in this Agreement will certainly help the symphony attract and retain the highest caliber performers. More importantly, this long-term Agreement testifies to the level of respect and cooperative spirit present among our musicians, board, and administrative staff B we're committed to working together in the best interests of our orchestra and in furtherance of the vital role it plays in our community.@

American Federation of Musicians Secretary-Treasurer and A2SO violist Barbara M. Zmich said, AThe members of the Ann Arbor Federation of Musicians, the union bargaining representative of the A2SO musicians, are extremely pleased with the new five-year Agreement. This first-class, cordially arrived-at contract propels our musicians into a secure future of music-making in our community.@

Highlights of the Agreement include annual pay increases for the musicians, amended attendance requirements, and plans for radio broadcast of an upcoming performance.

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is a premier regional orchestra offering live, symphonic music for audiences of diverse ages and classical music experiences. The A2SO touches the lives of over 76,000 people every year, from tiny tots to seasoned citizens in venues ranging from the Michigan Theater to Hill Auditorium, as well as schools in the five-county area including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter District Libraries, and senior citizen centers. For concert or educational programming information, contact the A2SO by calling (734) 994-4801 or emailing info@a2so.com.

Pictured: Barbara Zmich and Scott Woolweaver (Barbara is the American Federation of Musicians Secretary-Treasurer and A2SO violist).

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