Las Vegas Philharmonic Musicians Ratify New Contract

The Las Vegas Philharmonic announced today that the musicians of the Orchestra have approved and ratified a new 36-month collective bargaining agreement. The agreement sets a course for the Orchestra's future artistic and audience development and underscores the organization's commitment to the Las Vegas community through performance and education.

The new agreement includes slight increases in base pay over the next three years. Musicians also receive increases in fringe benefits, including seniority pay and travel accommodations for traveling musicians.

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement began in April of 2015 and the CBA was ratified in January of 2016. The agreement covers a three season period, beginning retroactively to July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2018.

"The success and continued artistic development of the Las Vegas Philharmonic lies in the active partnership among the musicians, Donato Cabrera, the attentive stewardship of the board, continued diligence of the staff, and the enthusiastic and steadfast support of the community," said Jeri Crawford, president of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. "This new agreement represents the shared vision and dedication that will aid us in striving to break new ground, achieve new levels of artistic excellence, develop a broader audience, achieve our education and community outreach goals, and insure the long-term vitality of our great orchestra as we enter our eighteenth season and beyond."

"Philharmonic musicians are excited that Management has committed to three years of growth and innovation allowing us to continue bringing the highest quality live performances to Las Vegas audiences," adds Stephen Caplan, Chair of the Orchestra committee.

The Orchestra's negotiating committee was chaired by Principal Oboist Stephen Caplan and included Concertmaster De Ann Letourneau, Principal Second Violinist Shakeh Ghoukasian, Violinist Jennifer Eriksson, Principal Clarinetist Cory Tiffin, Bassist Geoff Neuman, and Cellist Ted Hartwell. Also instrumental was Frank Leone, past president of Musicians' Union Local No. 369 of the American Federation of Musicians. Negotiating for the Las Vegas Philharmonic's administration and Board of Directors were President and CEO Jeri Crawford, Treasurer Ellis Landau and Legal Counsel Mark Ricciardi.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic, led by Music Director, Donato Cabrera, established its presence in Southern Nevada in 1998. The mission of the organization is to perform music that enriches and educates, helping to build a vibrant, culturally rich community.

Music education and outreach are the cornerstones of the Philharmonic's commitment to community. Our Youth Concert Series brings more than 16,000 children annually into the concert hall for a vital music education program, and our Young Artists' Concerto Competition recognizes and encourages emerging talent among Nevada youth in the area of music performance. Our rich offerings of season concerts showcase local talents alongside stellar nationally and internationally known guest artists on the magnificent Reynolds Hall stage. At the orchestra's core are 76 contracted professional musicians, many of whom are esteemed educators who also perform in other professional productions in Las Vegas, bringing depth and variety to the organization.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Philharmonic's community, education and artistic programs are made possible by the generous donations and support of individuals and corporations. To join us in our mission or learn more, visit lvphil.org or call 702.258.5438.

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