Today, a conversation about the future of the BSO. The orchestra enjoys an excellent international reputation, and on stage, they continue to play beautifully and audiences continue to respond enthusiastically. Off stage, however, there is deep disagreement between the BSO management and the musicians about the future direction of the state’s largest arts organization.
Negotiations on a new labor agreement between players and management began last year. The last contract expired in September. It was extended until the 15th of last month. The orchestra has been playing without a contract since that time, as negotiations continue.
Tom is joined in Studio A by Peter Kjome, President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and Tonya McBride Robles, the BSO's Vice President and General Manager.
Later, Tom talks with Brian Prechtl, a BSO percussionist and co-chair of the Players Committee of the Baltimore Symphony Musicians, and Jane Marvine, an English horn player who has been with the BSO since 1978, and who is also a member of the Players Committee.
Today's conversation was streamed live on the WYPR Facebook Page.