In order to reach an agreement, the musicians have to insist on having some kind of personnel 'markers' ... a fixed number of players, the existence of which would contractually guarantee an upward movement in numbers, toward a fuller complement, commensurate with the orchestra's status. This provision is absolutely necessary to halt further downsizing (one of WAC's go-to solutions for controlling costs; the other popular solution is musician salary reduction).
If this counter-proposal is accepted, WAC will have to find other paths to lead them out of debt and close the deficit ... but the proposal does guarantee that the orchestra would not be burdened by WAC's cutting personnel or simply refusing to fill positions (a thing which has been done often in the past to improve the orchestra's bottom line).
If this counter-proposal is accepted, WAC would actually be forced to raise money on the orchestra's behalf.
WAC's last offer was, indeed, close. This counter-proposal brings us closer to the world-class symphony Atlanta deserves.
http://artsculture.blog.ajc.com/2014/10/27/atlanta-symphony-musicians-counter-proposal-offers-compromise-on-orchestras-size/
A good arts administrator would accept this proposal and exceed the goals.
ReplyDeleteWhy, yes they would, John ... perhaps we can conscript Lincoln Center's?
ReplyDeleteIn case ASO lovers are unaware, it is a HUGE concession for the ASO players to agree to a 77-member orchestra. After some on-line fact-checking, this is where this puts the ASO with respect to other orchestras in the US:
ReplyDeleteNew York Philharmonic: 109
Cleveland 103
San Francisco 103
Chicago Symphony 102
Metropolitan Orchestra 101
Dallas 101
Los Angeles 100
Cincinnati 97
Philadelphia 97
Boston 95
St. Louis 94
Austin “over 90”
Pittsburgh 90
Seattle 87
Dayton 86
Houston 85
Utah 85
Oklahoma City 83
Portland (Maine) 82
Des Moines 82
Boise 80
El Paso 80
Denver 79
Kansas City 79
Atlanta 77
San Antonio 76
Las Vegas 76
Helena 75
Milwaukee 74
Oregon 74
Tucson 73
Is this REALLY where the WAC administration want to see for our Atlanta Symphony Orchestra? Is there any reason to believe that their failed attempts so far to raise money will produce better results in the future? In fact, do we not need NEW LEADERSHIP for the Woodruff Arts Center?
"Best efforts" is a nice phrase. However, considering events since 2012, I wouldn't trust those that anymore than the promise, "Never again", made by someone we don't "love". I think they'll make a few tries and call it "best efforts". Even if those words are in the contract, is the ASOPA willing to sue on the contract should they not be fulfilled? What would a judge say? Who knows what "best efforts" are? A judge will first look at the contract and then hear testimony. Everything must be in writing. I question whether the WAC will agree. In view of the situation this is probably the best the ASO can do and hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteLadies & Gentlemen, during our pre-rehearsal discussion, it came to me. I had a very sad moment. I've been in this Chorus for half my life.. I had hoped I could end it on my (or Norman's) terms. I don't want it to end like this. How can I sing for any other group? I can't. Say a prayer for our players and for "our enemies" (who aren't really "enemies" as such), we all need it
Best efforts........what does that mean to these people? Scary to even thing about it............
ReplyDelete