May 19, 2023

Lyric Opera of Chicago Reaches New Agreement with Chicago Federation of Musicians

By David Salazar

The Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Federation of Musicians #10-208 have put out a statement regarding a new five-year contractual labor agreement.

“We all entered into these discussions with a very similar mindset — to work collaboratively to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that takes care of our company’s great artists and ensures that Lyric can continue to offer world-class performances, for years to come,” said Lyric’s General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, per the official press statement.

“With this contract, Lyric Opera of Chicago is making a commitment to the professional musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra that recognizes both their extraordinary talent and vitality as an essential component of world-class opera productions,” added Chicago Federation of Musicians’ President, BJ Levy.

The current agreement runs out on June 30, 2023.

The Lyric Opera of Chicago is having ongoing discussions with IATSE groups that represent Theatrical Stage Employees and artists along with the American Guild of Musical Artists.

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By David Salazar

Prior to creating OperaWire, DAVID SALAZAR, (Editor-in-Chief) worked as a reporter for Latin Post where he interviewed major opera stars including Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, Vittorio Grigolo, Diana Damrau and Rolando Villazon among others. His 2014 interview with opera star Kristine Opolais was cited in a New York Times Review.

He also had the opportunity of interviewing numerous Oscar nominees, Golden Globe winners and film industry giants such as Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac and John Leguizamo among others.

David holds a Masters in Media Management from Fordham University. During his time at Fordham, he studied abroad at the Jagiellonian University in Poland. He also holds a dual bachelor’s from Hofstra University in Film Production and Journalism.