(source: San Francisco Symphony Official Website)

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is speaking out against the San Francisco Symphony’s management for misleading patrons about the negotiations with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus.

Per a press release, AGMA claims that it offered a one-time reduction in compensation back in September to settle the dispute and did all it could to avoid work stoppage. However, management decided to cancel all the performances, resulting in loss of income for 32 AGMA choristers.

Then management returned to the table the day before the opening of the Fauré “Requiem” performances this November but with the same pre-strike offer that “they themselves rejected in September.” AGMA countered with a reduction in year one of $21,615 followed by a return to the 2022 rates in year two and a five percent raise the following year. That offer was also rejected by management.

“The San Francisco Symphony Chorus is more than just a budget line item. We are an award-winning ensemble in our own right, and we contribute immeasurably to the Symphony’s international reputation and artistic excellence,” says the press release. “Paying 32 Choral Artists out of 150, the lowest rates of any artist at the Symphony, is an unparalleled return on investment, which Management seems intent on squandering.”