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Date: 5/9/2023
SPRINGFIELD — After an extended and public dispute, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra announced a labor agreement with the union representing its musicians that will ensure its musical programming for another two seasons.
“Together, I can state that the optimism, camaraderie and joy at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra are very strong,” Springfield Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Paul Lambert told the press, public officials, members of the Board of Directors, philanthropists and musicians that gathered in Springfield Symphony Hall’s Mahogany Room for the May 4 announcement.
The collectively bargained labor agreement will be in effect for the upcoming 2023-24 season as well as the 2024-25 season. The 2022-23 season will end on May 13 with “Beauty Amid Chaos,” featuring Ukrainian-American Guest Conductor Theodore Kuchar.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra musicians have continued performing in spite of the labor dispute, which had reached an impasse during the summer of 2022. In response to the impasse, the musicians’ union, American Federation of Musicians Local 171, filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board in February and a trial was scheduled for May 9. Harvey S. Mars, lead negotiator for the union, informed Reminder Publishing at that time that without a negotiated settlement, the issue would be decided at trial. In accordance with the agreement announced on May 4, the union will drop its complaint.
Lambert and Local 171 President Beth Welty both expressed relief that an accord had been reached and enthusiasm for the future of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and its programming. In spite of the contentious negotiations, those involved presented a unified message of hope and perseverance. Lambert, who was named the president and CEO in early 2023 after serving as interim director, received a standing ovation from all in attendance, including musicians, when acknowledged by Mayor Domenic Sarno.
“The musicians are thrilled to have this two-year agreement worked out and we stand ready, eager, [and we] can’t wait to work with Paul and his team and the board to bring this amazing orchestra to as many people as we can,” Welty said. “We love this orchestra, we love this community and we’re here to work with everyone to bring this to greater heights.”
Sustainability was a common theme at the announcement.
Noting the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic in addition to other obstacles facing orchestras and like organizations nationwide, Lambert said the fact that Springfield was able to maintain the Symphony Orchestra was “kind of a miracle,” crediting Mayor Domenic Sarno, supporting philanthropists such as Lyman Wood and Robert Bolduc, residents and businesses in Springfield and the surrounding region as well as the staff and musicians.
“It’s a great gift to the city of Springfield,” he said. “Today, a fully engaged team, we begin the vitally important work of building a sustainable present and future for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.”
Sarno and Lambert stressed the orchestra’s presence as a vital piece of the revival of Springfield’s downtown corridor. The mayor likened performance nights to Springfield Thunderbirds games or other entertainment taking place at Symphony Hall or the MassMutual Center that creates business for surrounding bars and restaurants.
For the city’s part, Sarno noted that as part of the agreement, Springfield will provide $280,000 over the course of the two-year contract in support of the orchestra’s youth educational programs. Additionally, the Sarno administration had announced a day prior a separate $80,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant award to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to fund transportation and staffing for youth programming. Sarno also acknowledged Springfield Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan’s involvement in assisting the two sides to reaching an agreement.
With that said, wielding a conductor’s baton, Sarno put out a challenge to other philanthropic enterprises, businesses and residents to increase their support.
The organization formed by the musicians during the labor dispute, aptly named the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will transition into a new entity called the Springfield Chamber Players, which will produce chamber music concerts such as the ongoing Longmeadow Chamber Series. As part of the labor agreement, the Springfield Chamber Players will not compete with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in the fundraising arena. Recognizing the Springfield Chamber Players as its own entity, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will continue to produce full symphony concerts while transitioning chamber performances to the new organization.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-23 season featured six classical and two pops concerts. The 2023-24 season lineup has yet to be announced; last year, the season’s lineup was announced in early June. Lambert did tease a Juneteenth-related performance, saying more information would be forthcoming.