On Tuesday, October 22 the Management of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presented their first new offer since the musicians went on strike on September 20. it was the first offer in which Management had a guarantee of any salary increases in any year of the proposed 3 year agreement. Negotiations have been going on for eight months.
The highlights of Management's 3 year proposal include:
The proposal was presented by Management as a package and termed a "final" offer.
Later that same day the Musicians' negotiating committee presented a counter proposal which increased the contract length to 4 years and included salary increases of: 3% - 3% - 4% - 4%. Management has rejected this offer and reiterated their "final" one.
On Wednesday, October 23 the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony met and unanimously voted to reject the Management's latest offer. They also voted unanimously in support of the Players' Committee.
During the 95-96 season the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra enjoyed the strongest fundraising year in its history. The Annual Fund surpassed its goal by 25%, the endowment posted a 30% return on its investments, and an additional $13 million was donated or pledged to the Symphony. Part of this $13 million was given and so used to retire any and all existing deficit (reported at $3.1 million).
Artistically the Orchestra continued to thrive, having their recent recording of Mahler's Fifth Symphony named as "Record of the Month" by Stereo Review magazine in April and having, during the Opening Ceremony of the Centennial Olympic Games telecast, an estimated viewing audience worldwide of 3.5 billion.
We are obviously fighting a difficult and entrenched philosophical battle with our Management and Board. The eventual result of this struggle could resonate throughout all of ICSOM,
We gratefully appreciate and acknowledge the unsolicited monies recently received from the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Although at present we are not directing a plea for donations from other ICSOM orchestras, we would of course gratefully appreciate those of you who do choose to send assistance at this time. We are launching a letter/fax campaign directed towards the members of the Woodruff Arts Center Board and the ASO Executive Board and we ask all ICSOM orchestras to participate. These addresses/fax numbers can be found below.
Please direct all copies of correspondence and, if you choose, donations to:
ASOPA (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players' Assoc.)
953 Rosedale Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
For updates on the ASO strike please visit our web page at:
http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~mmoor02/ASOPA.html
Our e-mail address is:
ASOPA@aol.com
The musicians of the ASO are performing throughout the Atlanta area almost daily in chamber music and symphonic concerts. Our first indoor benefit concert, in the newly renovated Rialto Theater in downtown Atlanta on October 13, was a tremendous success, virtually filled to capacity. On Sunday Oct. 27 we will be performing a Halloween/Family Concert at 3PM, again in the Rialto.
The members of the ASO remain strong in their resolve to maintain the artistic integrity of the Orchestra through the successful negotiation of a reasonable and fair master agreement. Our audience, our community support group (formed last Spring), and the local news media have been strongly supportive. We eagerly look forward to returning to performing at Symphony Hall but are unified in staying out as long as it takes to keep the ASO one of the countries' finest symphony orchestras.
Thank you for your support.
Your colleagues,
The Musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Please direct your correspondence in support of the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to the following:
Shelton Stanfill, President
The Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
FAX (404) 733-4281
Alan Gayer, Chairman
ASO Board of Directors
c/o Chief Executive Officer
Egleston Children's Hospital
1404 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
FAX (404) 325-6166
Hon. William "Bill" Campbell
Mayor of Atlanta5 Trinity St., SW
Atlanta, GA 30335
FAX (404) 658-7361
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