Annapolis, MD- The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and its musicians, represented by the Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40-543, American Federation of Musicians, announce the successful ratification of a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA), effective July 1, 2025. This landmark agreement underscores a shared commitment to artistic excellence, financial stability, and a thriving future for the ASO, the only professional orchestra in Maryland’s capital city, and the oldest and largest performing arts organization in Anne Arundel County.
“We’re proud that this agreement recognizes the dedication and artistry of our musicians with meaningful improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Derek Smith, Chair of the ASO Musicians’ Players’ Committee. “The addition of two new positions strengthens the orchestra’s foundation and ensures that the ASO continues to grow as a destination ensemble. We’re grateful to the Board and staff for their support, and we look forward to returning to the stage this fall to share inspiring performances with our community under the leadership of Maestro José-Luis Novo.”
This agreement reinforces the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s position as a leading cultural institution in Maryland, dedicated to enriching the lives of its community through exceptional musical performances and educational initiatives.
“As the ASO’s Executive Director, participating directly in the negotiations was an invaluable opportunity to listen and learn from our musicians. These conversations helped me better understand what matters most to them — not just artistically, but also in terms of their working lives. I deeply appreciate the spirit of dialogue and shared commitment to ASO’s future that guided us to this agreement,” said ASO Executive Director Erica Bondarev Rapach.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra at Maryland Hall by Richard Brown
About ASO’s CBA Provisions
The new CBA, which extends through June 30, 2028, provides significant benefits to the ASO musicians, including annual wage increases for each year of the 3-year contract, progressive tenure conditions designed to foster the growth and integration of new talent within the orchestra and, for the first time ever, travel reimbursement for all musicians. The agreement also adds two new positions to the orchestra, Principal Keyboard and Second Percussion.
“This new Collective Bargaining Agreement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s leadership and our incredibly talented musicians,” said Katie Edwards, MD, Chair of the ASO Board of Trustees.
“We’ve reached a resolution that thoughtfully balances our responsibility to steward ASO’s resources with valuing the incredible talent of our ASO musicians. I’m proud of how all parties approached the process — with care, clarity, and a shared belief in the mission of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.”
Key provisions of the new three-year agreement include:
- Annual Wage Increases: Guaranteed annual raises over the 3-year contract, reflecting the ASO’s commitment to competitive compensation and recognizing the invaluable contributions of its musicians.
- Enhanced Travel Pay: For the first time, the ASO is reimbursing musicians for travel, acknowledging the dedication of musicians who live throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and come to Annapolis to perform and rehearse.
- More Inclusive Progressive Tenure Conditions: Updated tenure processes that prioritize transparency, mentorship, and support for new musicians, encouraging fresh perspectives and ensuring a vibrant future for the orchestra.
- Two New Positions: “Tenured Principal Keyboard and Second Percussion roles have been added to the union contract, bringing the total complement of contracted ASO musicians up to 69.
Executive Director Erica Bondarev Rapach states,
“These conditions are designed to seamlessly integrate new talent, fostering a diverse and dynamic ensemble. The new tenure process better aligns the ASO with the industry’s best practices and with organizations like The Sphinx Organization and Black Orchestral Network (BON) who are working with the American Federation of Musicians towards more equitable tenure procedures in orchestras.”
Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo states,
“This agreement ensures that our artistic work can continue without interruption, allowing us to focus on what we do best: making music that connects and inspires. I’m grateful to our musicians for their continued dedication and look forward to what we will accomplish together in the coming seasons.”“Katie Edwards, MD states,
“The musicians of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra are immensely proud of this new agreement, which reflects a productive and respectful negotiation process. The annual raises, travel pay, and forward-thinking tenure conditions demonstrate the ASO’s dedication to its artists. We look forward to continuing to bring inspiring and innovative musical experiences to our audiences, knowing that we have a strong partnership with the ASO leadership.”
What is a CBA?
The vast majority of professional orchestra musicians in the United States are employed under Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), legally binding contracts negotiated between the orchestra (the musicians’ employer) and the musicians’ union. CBAs establish terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, working conditions, benefits, and grievance procedures. They are governed by labor law, which generally allows CBAs to provide more protections than basic employment law requires. CBAs play a significant and important role in defining the relationship between the musicians and management.
About the Annapolis Symphony OrchestraThe Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a nonprofit performing arts organization composed of 69 professional, union-represented musicians and led by Artistic Director José-Luis Novo. Now in its 64th season, the ASO is known for delivering extraordinary musical experiences through artistic excellence, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. The ASO’s upcoming 2025-26 Signature Series features Maestro José-Luis Novo conducting twelve concerts at Maryland Hall in Annapolis and The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda with guest artists including Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitarist; Angel Blue, soprano; Olga Kern, pianist; and Pascal Rogé, pianist.
The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) offers students ages pre-school to high school the opportunity to study and perform alongside ASO musicians through a program of ensembles and private classes. The Academy’s Orion Youth Orchestra, directed by Maestro Novo, performs across the region and prepares students for success in music and beyond.
To learn more or support our mission, visit:www.AnnapolisSymphony.org
