Issue: Chairperson's Reports
For as long as most of us have been in this field, we have heard some version of the same complaints: classical music is dying, deficits are unsustainable, audiences are disappearing, and the old model no longer works. While the language has changed, we’ve been hearing essentially the same argument for over a century that orchestras, as we know them, cannot survive unless musicians accept some … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2026
As we head into another CBA expiration season, I want to bring our attention back to some of the important issues that continue to trouble our industry. Too often, we treat these problems as separate from bargaining, as though they belong to some other conversation. They do not. Bargaining is where our values become policy and where our aspirations are tested against what we are actually … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
The world today feels more confusing and chaotic than ever. We worry about the future of our jobs when management talks about changes in philanthropy, shifting ticket-buying habits, and, once again, the need for a “new model.” More broadly, we wonder what place symphony orchestras will occupy in a rapidly changing world. In a landscape increasingly dominated by digital platforms and AI-driven … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
This past year has tested our resolve as union musicians. We have watched unlawful interference with the institutions that protect working people, like the illegal removal of NLRB Commissioner Gwynne Wilcox (leaving the agency without a quorum) to the gutting of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and executive actions aimed at ending collective bargaining for more than a million … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
In this issue, you'll find a statement from the ICSOM Governing Board regarding individually negotiated agreements. This is a conversation we’ve been having for a long time, and it ties directly into the kind of culture change we’re trying to achieve in our orchestras. We understand that some members may not immediately see the connection between these agreements and broader workplace culture. … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2025
In this issue of Senza Sordino, you’ll read about the recent and ongoing attempts to radically reshape downtown Salt Lake City, including the potential destruction of my own orchestra’s home, Abravanel Hall. This story echoes a broader reality: a community at the mercy of a billionaire’s ambitions and political leaders who lack the insight, strength, and skills to navigate the issue … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
For the past few weeks, I have found myself grappling with mixed emotions over the recent election results—profound disappointment, fear, and, frankly, exhaustion at the thought of the challenges ahead. I won’t use this space to offer reassurance. Historically, Republican administrations have not been kind to organized labor or workers' rights. We don’t know what the future holds; we’ll need to … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2024
Every ICSOM member is part of a vast system that begins in early childhood, runs through music school, influences our auditions, and generally spans our entire career. Before we even realize how ensnared we are by this system, most of us have dedicated nearly our entire lives to music. Given this perspective, it’s unsurprising that efforts to change this system have had limited impact on the … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
Recent developments at the New York Philharmonic have highlighted the significant challenges survivors of sexual misconduct face in finding support within our industry. It is important to acknowledge that this is not a new issue; survivors have long struggled to navigate our complex system. The ICSOM Governing Board recognizes the need for a tangible resource to help survivors, bystanders, and … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2024
On behalf of the Governing Board, I am excited to report about our preparations for the 62nd annual ICSOM Conference, set to take place from August 21–24 in Portland, OR. The agenda boasts diverse presentations, covering crucial topics such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; tackling issues like sexual harassment; and exploring strategies for internal organizing. In addition to these sessions, … [Read more...]
