Symphony Announces New Musicians Contract

The Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra Association and the American Federation of Musicians, Local #308 have reached an agreement that will govern the terms of employment for Santa Barbara Symphony musicians through June 30, 2013. The agreement covers wages, benefits, working conditions, and an updated understanding on the use of new media.

The Musicians’ Committee Chair and Principal Clarinetist Donald Foster issued a statement saying “We are delighted that the new agreement has been ratified by a landslide vote. We are happy to have had a hand in crafting a fair and equitable document in this “not-so-easiest” of economic times.”

“We had a very positive negotiation process, in which both sides embraced the common goal of keeping the Santa Barbara Symphony strong, long into the future.” said John Robinson, Santa Barbara Symphony’s Executive Director. “Despite the serious economic challenges of the times, we recognize the tremendous talent and dedication of our musicians and want to stretch to compensate them for their service to the orchestra.”

The Santa Barbara Symphony’s Music and Artistic Director, Nir Kabaretti, expressed his pleasure, saying, “We have some of the finest musicians in the world performing in the Santa Barbara Symphony. I look forward to working with them to create many magical moments in the years ahead.”

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The Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra Association was founded in 1953 on the belief that a special city deserves a special orchestra. Throughout more than half a century of glorious history, the Symphony has been celebrated for its unique ability to deliver brilliant orchestral concerts while maintaining a strong commitment to education and community engagement.

New Year’s Eve Pops Concert features Hollywood Favorites

Ring in 2011 with the Santa Barbara Symphony! On December 31, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., in The Granada, the Symphony presents Grammy award-winning conductor, Richard Kaufman, in his fifth engagement conducting the Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Gala.

Kaufman will lead the orchestra in a variety of Grammy winning or nominated popular film and television scores, including music from Gone with the Wind, Pocahontas, Meet me in St. Louis, E.T., The Wizard of Oz and others. Party hats and noisemakers will be available for all!