07/08/2025
📢 The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (A*O) and its musicians, represented by the Musicians' Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40-543, American Federation of Musicians, announce the successful ratification of a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA), effective July 1, 2025. This landmark agreement underscores a shared commitment to artistic excellence, financial stability, and a thriving future for the A*O, the only professional orchestra in Maryland’s capital city, and the oldest and largest performing arts organization in Anne Arundel County.
“We’re proud that this agreement recognizes the dedication and artistry of our musicians with meaningful improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Derek Smith, Chair of the A*O Musicians’ Players’ Committee. "The addition of two new positions strengthens the orchestra’s foundation and ensures that the A*O continues to grow as a destination ensemble. We’re grateful to the Board and staff for their support, and we look forward to returning to the stage this fall to share inspiring performances with our community under the leadership of Maestro José-Luis Novo.”
This agreement reinforces the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra's position as a leading cultural institution in Maryland, dedicated to enriching the lives of its community through exceptional musical performances and educational initiatives.
“As the A*O's Executive Director, participating directly in the negotiations was an invaluable opportunity to listen and learn from our musicians. These conversations helped me better understand what matters most to them — not just artistically, but also in terms of their working lives. I deeply appreciate the spirit of dialogue and shared commitment to A*O’s future that guided us to this agreement,” said A*O Executive Director Erica Bondarev Rapach.
Key provisions of the new three-year agreement include:
⏺️ Annual Wage Increases: Guaranteed annual raises over the 3-year contract, reflecting the A*O's commitment to competitive compensation and recognizing the invaluable contributions of its musicians.
⏺️ Enhanced Travel Pay: For the first time, the A*O is reimbursing musicians for travel, acknowledging the dedication of musicians who live throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and come to Annapolis to perform and rehearse.
⏺️ More Inclusive Progressive Tenure Conditions: Updated tenure processes that prioritize transparency, mentorship, and support for new musicians, encouraging fresh perspectives and ensuring a vibrant future for the orchestra.
⏺️ Two New Positions: Tenured Principal Keyboard and Second Percussion roles have been added to the union contract, bringing the total complement of contracted A*O musicians up to 69.
Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo states, “This agreement ensures that our artistic work can continue without interruption, allowing us to focus on what we do best: making music that connects and inspires. I’m grateful to our musicians for their continued dedication and look forward to what we will accomplish together in the coming seasons.”
To learn more about this landmark agreement, including thoughts from our Board Chair Katie Edwards, MD, Artistic Director José-Luis Novo, and Executive Director Erica Bondarev-Rapach, please visit our website: https://annapolissymphony.org/news/press-release-2025cba/
Media Contact:
Diana Love, Director of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
# # #
Photo credit: Annapolis Symphony Orchestra by Richard Brown
