Summermusik and the musicians of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, represented by the Cincinnati Musicians Association American Federation of Musicians Local 1, have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The agreement increases per-service compensation by 15 percent over its term and, for the first time, incorporates principal overscale into the payment structure. Additional provisions include new language governing audition practices and the tenure process, the creation of a second permanent section bass position, increased cartage payments, higher compensation for curators of the Summermusik Chamber Crawl series, and a codified Teaching Artist Fee aimed at strengthening educational partnerships with organizations including MYCincinnati and the Immanuel School of Music.

“We have made meaningful improvements not just to wages, but to working conditions and to the audition and tenure processes as well,” said Sujean Kim, member of the Musicians Committee and Assistant Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, per an official press release.

The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra is the only professional chamber orchestra in the Greater Cincinnati area and serves as the resident ensemble of the Summermusik Festival.

Additionally, Music Director Eckart Preu extended his contract with the ensemble through the 2030 Summermusik Festival season. Preu has led the orchestra and festival as primary artistic director since October 2016.

“I am thrilled to continue my journey with the Summermusik family, and to continue working with the fantastic musicians of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra,” Preu noted. “This organization embodies both extraordinary quality and an exemplary adventurous spirit. I am looking forward to a continuous exploration of ideas and repertoire and to creating musical experiences that inspire our audience – and us.”

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