SLSO Musicians Ratify New Four-Year Contract

By Eric Dundon

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract, the institution announced in early September. The agreement provides continued stability for the SLSO, which is entering its 146th season and the reopening of its historic venue, Powell Hall at the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center. The new contract runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2030, and was ratified one year before the conclusion of the current contract, which expires on August 31, 2026.

“This new agreement is an investment in the musicians of the SLSO, who are the very heart of the organization,” said Marie-Hélène Bernard, SLSO President and CEO.

Reaching an agreement so far in advance is atypical and is “a testament to the genuinely collaborative spirit of the orchestra’s negotiating committee, their counsel, and the AFM Local 2-197,” Bernard said.

The new agreement provides annual compensation increases for orchestra musicians over the life of the contract, including a $10,000 increase to salaries in the first year, followed by increases of 3%, 3.25%, and 3.5% in the subsequent years, reaching musician base pay of $128,036 in 2030.

“After many years of collaborative efforts to strengthen the financial foundation of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the musicians—together with the American Federation of Musicians Local 2-197—are pleased with the announcement of ratification of a new agreement,” said Henry Skolnick, the SLSO’s Associate Librarian and Chair of the Musicians’ Negotiating Committee.

Another key component of the new contract are structural changes to evening rehearsals, allowing greater flexibility and increased capacity for orchestral programs involving chorus and community partners as well as the expansion of the SLSO’s community partnership programs, reflecting the musicians’ commitment to performances throughout and engagement with the community.

“The new contract reflects the extraordinary contributions of the SLSO musicians and empowers the organization to continue to embody its mission to enrich lives through the power of music,” Bernard said.

In addition, the contract includes the formation of an Audition and Tenure Task Force to review and recommend revisions to orchestra hiring practices, as well as a number of smaller changes.

“We believe this agreement will support the entire organization as it continues to serve as a beacon of excellence in the symphonic world, both in St. Louis and internationally,” Skolnick added.

The ratification of the contract is another positive milestone for the orchestra, which will soon start its 2025/26 season, celebrate the reopening of Powell Hall at the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center, release a new album, and more. The SLSO will begin its season on September 17 with the orchestra’s annual concert in Forest Park, the orchestra’s 146th season and Stéphane Denève’s seventh as Music Director. Opening Weekend at Powell Hall is September 26-28.

“We are grateful to all—musicians, and SLSO Trustees and staff—who directly supported the bargaining process, and we are eager to reconnect with audiences as we launch the SLSO’s celebratory, historic 2025/26 season,” Bernard said.

Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.