September 6, 1996:
Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Schedule Press Conference
Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the nation's premier symphony orchestra,
have less than ten days to reach a new contract agreement with Orchestra
management to avert the first Orchestra strike in 30 years. The current
contract between the Orchestra (Member/players) and the Orchestra Association
(management) expires on Sunday, September 15, 1996.
The members of the Orchestra have scheduled a news conference for 3:00 PM,
Sunday, September 8, 1996. The press conference will be held on the southwest
corner of the intersection of Broad and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia. The
press conference site is directly across from the EZ Park ("Pay Here
In Advance") parking lot, for the last ten years know as the site of
the New Orchestra Building. (In the event of inclement Fran weather, the
press conference will be held on the second floor of the Double Tree Hotel,
directly across from the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets.)
Members of the Orchestra Negotiating and Members' Committees will provide
a general update on the status of negotiations and the Orchestra, their
Goals and Objectives, their contingency plans in the advent of a strike
(strike funding, picketing, plans for the scheduled opening of the Orchestra
season, etc.), and be available for questions. Also in attendance, Stuart
Davidson, Esq. of the law firm of Willig, Williams & Davidson, will
be available for questions.
The Orchestra has adopted a firm position against negotiating in public.
There will be no discussion of the specifics of the contract proposals,
but the Orchestra will respond to general questions and be available for
interviews.
Members of the Orchestra, with instruments, will initiate informational
picketing immediately following the press conference at "public"
sites of area businesses.
A Press Kit will be available before the press conference for all members
of the press.
The Philadelphia Orchestra:
Undervalued at home; Adored afar!
What Others Are Saying About the Philadelphia Orchestra
"The Philadelphia Orchestra revealed in myriad details what distinguishes
a great orchestra from a merely excellent one ... The sounds of this great
orchestra ... embody the highest standards of the art of music."
The Japan Times, May 26, 1996
"I can say the four orchestras I mentioned are well balanced in all
sections. Probably the Chicago and the Philadelphia are better balanced
in all sections, as I think it, than Berlin and Vienna."
Sir Georg Solti, Conductor Emeritus, Chicago Symphony
"The Philadelphia Orchestra is widely and correctly perceived as the
aristocrat among American orchestras. ... the orchestra playing was little
short of spectacular (is there a better string section in the world?)."
Washington Post, February 6, 1996
"I think it is safe to say that its roster of musicians past and present
represents the finest that America has to offer in the way of musical talent.
In addition, the orchestra has wielded an enormous world influence through
its countless recordings, radio broadcasts and tours. I consider myself
extremely fortunate to have had many opportunities to make music with you
all."
David Zinman, Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Aspen Music
Festival
"... for most of the evening the Philadelphia Orchestra sounded superior
to the orchestrations Leoncavallo wrote for it."
New York Times, February 13, 1992
CONTACT: Bob Bedard, 215-656-3629, or Stuart Davidson, Esq., 215-656-3600,
both of the Philadelphia Orchestra Members Committee.