New Year's Day

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Strike Ends as Musicians and Management Agree to New Contract

The new four-year contract runs through July 31, 2020

Musicians with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra voted, on Wednesday, to approve a new four-year contract that ends their three month strike.

An anonymous donor stepped up, on Thursday last week, with a gift of $700,000 which bridged the gap between the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Association and the American Federation of Musicians Local 72-147.

"This generous donation provides the necessary stability for the next several years as we continue to implement plans to increase both earned and contributed revenue, including the ever-important growth of our endowment fund," said Amy Adkins, President and CEO. "We are also grateful to the musicians for their shared sacrifice by accepting wage freezes as we work together to find a new path forward for this great orchestra."

The generous gift provides the association the necessary funds to offer the musicians a two-year pay freeze followed by two years of small increases.

"We have believed all along that our community had the strength and desire to move the orchestra forward with growth, not cuts," said Musicians Union President Stewart Williams. "Our faith has been confirmed by this wonderful gift which exemplifies the spirit of a thriving city which loves its musicians."

The musicians first paid week back will begin on December 26.

The FWSO's first performance following the work stoppage will take place on New Year's Eve in a concert conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya at Bass Performance Hall. The remainder of the FWSO season remains as previously scheduled.

"I’m thrilled the strike is resolved,” said FWSO Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya. “I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the New Year than with the return of the Orchestra and its wonderful musicians. I will be proud to conduct its return concert on New Year’s Eve." 

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