Nashville Symphony Agrees To Media Blackout

The Nashville Symphony Association and the Nashville Musicians Association have begun to negotiate a new labor contract. In a joint statement, the two parties have agreed to negotiate the contract privately. “It is our mutual desire to conduct these negotiations in a confidential manner,” the union and symphony said in the statement. “Accordingly, both sides have agreed to a media blackout.” The musicians have repeatedly stated that they are not to blame for the symphony’s financial crisis.

The association’s collective bargaining agreement with the symphony expires July 31. The symphony is also currently in negotiations with bank lenders regarding the more than $80 million owed on the Schermerhorn Symphony Center; a foreclosure sale of the Schermerhorn is slated for June 28.

In the midst of these financial challenges, the Nashville Symphony continues to garner accolades. The symphony is one of 19 American orchestras that was recently honored with a 2012-2013 ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming at the League of American Orchestras 68th National Conference in St. Louis, Mo. The Nashville Symphony was selected for third place for Programming of Contemporary Music, because it featured the works of such contemporary composers as Richard Danielpour, Roberto Sierra, Stephen Paulus, John Adams and Edgar Meyer in its 2012-2013 season. The League and ASCAP present the awards each year to orchestras of all sizes for programs that challenge the audience, build the repertoire, and increase interest in music of our time. Approximately $725,000 has been bestowed on orchestras since the awards were established in 1947.