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Orange County, Calif.—October 3, 2024— Pacific Symphony and its musicians have reached an agreement on a new three-year contract, signaling a shared commitment to the orchestra’s future. The agreement, negotiated in partnership with the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 7, includes a 13.5% compounded increase in compensation over the contract term, with annual raises of 6%, 3%, and 4%. The agreement was the result of six months of negotiations.
“This agreement highlights an atmosphere of collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual respect,” said John Forsyte, President & CEO of Pacific Symphony. “I want to express my gratitude to the musicians’ leadership who volunteer their time to represent their colleagues during negotiations. I also appreciate the partnership with the President of Local 7 of the American Federation of Musicians, Edmund Velasco, and the union’s labor attorney, Kevin Case, for creatively working on solutions to difficult challenges.”
Adedeji Ogunfolu, the chair of the Orchestra Committee, states, “The musicians are satisfied with the terms of this agreement. In the next three years, we look forward to performing for our audiences and contributing toward the continued growth of the Pacific Symphony.”
“The negotiations were cordial and respectful,” said Edmund Velasco, AFM President Local 7. “The volunteer musicians of the Orchestra Committee and our attorney, Kevin Case, worked extremely hard to come to an agreement and deserve high praise for their efforts. We hope that this contract will be the start of the next growth period for the Symphony and its wonderfully talented musicians. We want to thank the Symphony’s leadership and lead negotiator, attorney Lawrence Stone, for their hard work as well.”
This agreement arrives at a significant juncture for Pacific Symphony as it prepares to honor Music Director Carl St.Clair’s legacy and looks to the future with the upcoming appointment of a new music director. Loyal patrons and generous donors make these advancements possible, underscoring the importance of philanthropy in sustaining the Symphony’s mission. Together, the Symphony and its musicians are poised to continue enriching the lives of the community through music.
About Pacific Symphony
Entering its 46th season, Pacific Symphony has developed into the largest-budgeted orchestral institution formed in the U.S. in the past 50 years and a cultural cornerstone in Orange County. Under the leadership of Music Director Carl St.Clair for thirty-five years, the Symphony has earned national acclaim for its innovative programming, commitment to new music, and artistic excellence.
The orchestra performs in its primary venue, the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that provides an acoustically pristine environment for orchestral performances. Additionally, the Symphony holds outdoor concerts at Great Park Live in Irvine, offering a vibrant summer music experience for the community.
Pacific Symphony's education and community engagement programs are among the most expansive of any American orchestra. These initiatives include Class Act, a comprehensive K-8 school partnership program, and the Heartstrings program, which provides access to performances and music lessons for underserved populations. The Symphony also offers family concerts, chamber music performances in community settings, and special initiatives like its music and wellness programs with hospitals, blending music with therapeutic care and well being.
About AFM Local 7
The American Federation of Musicians Local 7 fights for the respect and dignity of working musicians in Orange County and Long Beach area. Founded over 100 years ago, the Musicians of the Union works hard to create better pay and working conditions for all musicians, including advocating for favorable laws with our local and state legislators, and works with our fellow Unions to support their needs when called upon.
