The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and its musicians, represented by the Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40-543 American Federation of Musicians, have reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA), marking the most financially ambitious contract in more than a decade. This multi-year agreement increases minimum musician pay by 12 percent over three years, reaching $101,350 by the 2027-28 season.

“This agreement reflects our deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication of our incredible musicians,” said Mark Hanson, president and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “Just as we are honored to recognize their value with meaningful pay increases, we are deeply grateful to our musician colleagues for embracing important CBA changes that position us to expand audiences and strengthen revenue. Together, we can ensure the BSO remains a cultural cornerstone for generations to come.”

Agreement was reached following months of open and positive dialogue, where increases in musician pay were a mutual goal for both parties from the beginning, demonstrating a shared vision for growth and innovation.

“The musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra have a deep and abiding commitment to our devoted audiences, not only in Baltimore, but across our entire state of Maryland,” said Jeremy Buckler, chair of the Players’ Committee. “This new contract empowers us to build on our legacy of world-class artistry, community, and economic impact, while enabling us to attract and retain the next generation of musicians. We look forward to moving ahead with the management and Board in this new era to create even broader access to the benefits of symphonic music for current and future generations.”

The agreement also incorporates revised audition and tenure review processes that have the potential to become a new standard in the industry. Together, both parties redesigned the language from the ground up to develop a process that guarantees every candidate an equal opportunity to be selected.

“From the outset, these negotiations were guided by respect, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our shared aspirations,” said Board Chair Barry Rosen. “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the elected members of the Orchestra’s negotiation committee and to all 85 members of the Orchestra, and to both our dedicated management team and the Board of Directors of the BSO for their unwavering support. And of course, none of this is possible without the incredible generosity of our donors and community partners.”

The terms of the ratified agreement, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 10, 2028, include the following:

• Steady annual increases in musician pay, totaling 12% over three years, with minimum annual salary growing from $92,811 in year one (FY2026) to $101,350 by year three (FY2028):

• • Year 1: (2025-26 season) 3% increase in base scale
  • Year 2: (2026-27 season) 4% increase in base scale
  • Year 3: (2027-28 season) 5% increase in base scale

• Sustained full-time musician complement at 85, including two librarians, maintaining important growth of the ensemble achieved in the last contract.

• Continuation of a competitive benefits package, including 11 weeks of paid vacation, at least 30 days of sick leave, employer-paid pension contributions, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage.

• New operational and scheduling flexibility, giving the BSO greater ability to meet audience expectations, be more responsive to new performance opportunities, and generally grow revenues to help sustain growth in musician compensation.

• New audition and tenure review processes, including but not limited to:

• All applicants will be invited to a live audition with no screening of resumes
• Elimination of trial weeks to ensure all hiring decisions are based on blind auditions
• Internal auditions have been discontinued, but tenured/probationary musicians can automatically advance to the first final round of national auditions
• Fully screened auditions from first through final rounds
• Improved feedback and formalized evaluation criteria in the tenure review process

The BSO invites the community to rally behind this milestone at this weekend’s Gala concerts on Friday at the Music Center at Strathmore and Saturday at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Tickets start at $58, and every purchase strengthens the impact of the largest annual fundraiser—supporting the heart and soul of the Orchestra, the musicians, and the year-round education and community programs that bring music to thousands across Maryland.

Interview Opportunities with Mark Hanson and visuals of Gala rehearsal are available at the following times at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

• Thursday, September 18, 10 am – Noon and 2:30-3:30 pm – these must be confirmed in advance.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The Orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives, including OrchKids.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the state of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first Orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.

In July 2022, the BSO once again made history with its announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his inaugural season in September 2023.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras. More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.

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