Playbill is reporting that the Memphis Symphony and its musicians have reached agreement on a new three-year contract retroactive to 2005 and running through 2008.
The contract includes salary increases of 5 percent, 7 percent, and 8 percent. The salary for principal musicians, which was $24,781 in 2004-05, will increase to $30,069 in 2008.
The contract also calls for the addition to two full-time musicians to the MSO. The orchestra currently has 34 full-time players and 45 part-time players.
“No single factor affects an orchestra more than the quality of its musicians,” said music director David Loebel. “Expansion of our core orchestra and improvement of our musicians’ salaries are the most meaningful steps the MSO can take to enhance both its artistic standing and its level of community service.”
