Philharmonic, union agree to three-year contract

The Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Musicians’ Association of Seattle, Local 96-493, American Federation of Musicians.

Under the three-year contract, the musicians have agreed to play at a reduced rate for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The rates will then be renegotiated the following year.

“This contract is a very good thing for everyone,” said Janis Wold, board president. “We intend to work in partnership with our musicians and are thrilled with the outcome of these negotiations. We are very appreciative at the efforts made by our musicians to help us continue to bring great music, close to home.”

“Preserving the orchestra and presenting full symphonic repertoire is

a victory for music lovers,” said Motter Snell, President, American Federation of Musicians, Local 76-493. “We believe that musicians involved in artistic decisions is good for the BPO. Management agreed, and now we

are all collaborating on growing the institution.”

Snell added that it has been a “very challenging year,” but noted that one of the results from the challenge is that the musicians “have come together like never before and have now established an excellent relationship with the board and incoming Interim Music Director, Michael Miropolsky.”