According to statistics recently offered by the National Endowment for the Arts, 52 percent of actors, 55 percent of dancers, and 27 percent of musicians have lost employment due to the shutdowns made necessary by the coronavirus pandemic—percentages that exceed even that of workers in the hard-hit restaurant and food service industry. Many in the arts world fear that this is not just a temporary loss of jobs, but possibly a loss of careers as theatrical and music organizations are unable to reassure cautious audiences. Adam Krauthamer, president of the New York local of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), was recently quoted in the New York Times suggesting that the arts world could be headed for “… a great cultural depression.“
A possible glimmer of hope for some Knoxville musicians—and their audiences—appears to be on the horizon with the announcement that the management of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Local 546 of the AFM have reached an agreement that will make possible a February – May recovery of the 2020-21 season. Although the two sides had previously been at an uncomfortable and somewhat bitter impasse following the unexpected August furloughing of KSO musicians and some staff, the agreement still comes with painful compromises, but with an overriding desire to return to music.
The agreement sets out a return to rehearsals and performances on February 1, with the core salaried KSO players receiving 20 weeks of salary at 80% of their previously contracted weekly amount starting January 4. Per-service players will be offered 80% of their guaranteed service amount, based on 20 weeks. Among the compromises are—allowing the KSO management to make personnel and program changes with less lead time, and expanded flexibility in recording and streaming of performances to accommodate audiences during the pandemic.
Details of the actual programming, plus the ways that performances will conform to health and safety guidelines, will be announced in January.
“We are all looking forward to bringing music back to our patrons and the Knoxville community, especially during this challenging time,” says Stacy Nickell, a cellist for the KSO and Orchestra Committee chair. “I am glad we were able to reach an agreement, as we all need the healing power of music. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra can continue to grow and thrive despite the pandemic, thanks to the collaborative effort of our many talented musicians and creative staff.”
Rachel Ford, KSO Executive Director, added: “… Finding a path forward has been challenging, but in the end, the musicians, administrative staff and the board of directors have come together to reach an agreement that allows music to continue and our institution to move forward. I admire and thank the wonderful musicians of the KSO for their work in helping craft this agreement and look forward to seeing them on stage soon.”
