The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has announced that it has reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement with its musicians.

This agreement is based on the near-term sacrifices in response to COVID-19 pressures, per the statement on the official BSO website.

“The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest orchestras in the country. We are grateful to our superb musicians and the Players’ Committee for our collaboration as we chart a course for a bright future together despite the challenges we are currently facing due to COVID-19,” BSO President and CEO Peter Kjome said in a press release.

Kjome further explained that this multi-year agreement reflects BSO’s commitment to increasing both compensation and the number of musicians in the orchestra, while continuing to pursue the goals specified in the orchestra’s strategic plan.

“The Musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra are so pleased with the momentous agreement we have been able to achieve together with BSO leadership,” BSO Players’ Committee Chair Brian Prechtl said in the statement.

“This long term agreement will allow us to continue to attract world class musicians and will give us the freedom to concentrate on what we do best – making sublime music that nurtures and uplifts hearts, minds and spirit,” added Prechtl.

The terms of the five-year agreement incorporate COVID-19 provisions including reductions during the initial year (2020-21 season), followed by annual increases in base scale. Additionally, there will be gradual increases in the number of full-time musicians, starting from 75 full-time musicians in the 2020-21 season to 85 full-time musicians in the 2024-25 season.

The agreement will be effective from September 7, 2020, through September 14, 2025.