Musicians of Hartford Symphony Orchestra Agree to Wage Concessions Imposed by Management

The musicians of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, in an effort to save the company from collapse, have agreed to a wage concession. Management has added that it was essential for the musicians to take the cut in order for the symphony to survive.

Per Steve Wade, an oboist in the ensemble's ranks, said to the press Monday night that vote came as the product of extensive talks held on Sunday. The musicians union then notified chairman Jeffrey Verney and music director and conductor Carolyn Kuan.

Hartford's new mayor, Mr. Luke Bronin, also said:

"The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is a vital cultural asset, not only for the City of Hartford but for our entire region. I'm grateful to the outstanding musicians of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, to the HSO's staff and Board, to the HSO's patrons and supporters, to our world-class conductor, Carolyn Kuan, and to everyone whose commitment and sacrifice made it possible for Hartford to remain a center of creative, groundbreaking, professional symphonic music."

It's been reported that the union faced a strict deadline at midnight on Monday. If the orchestra failed to accept $450,000 in wage concessions then management threatened to shut down the symphony.

For music director Carolyn Kuan, the orchestra valued her efforts to help preserve the ensemble by sacrificing her pay to equal the pay cut faced by the musicians. They said, "This gesture shows her commitment to the success of HSO and the success of its mission, which is to provide Greater Hartford with the best in symphonic music.

News of the orchestra staying afloat is certainly a positive outcome for the faltering company but is part of the waning funds experienced by symphonies across the U.S., from the Metropolitan Opera to the Seattle Symphony (who just received a generous donation by the wildly famous Taylor Swift).

Congratulations to the HSO and hopefully these efforts will sustain the company for years to come.

For now, have a peak into the orchestra below.