The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and its musicians, represented by the Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40-543 American Federation of Musicians, have ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that increases minimum musician pay by 12 percent over three years, reaching $101,350 by the 2027-28 season. The agreement, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 10, 2028, marks the most financially ambitious contract in more than a decade and includes significant operational and procedural changes.
BSO President and CEO Mark Hanson emphasized the mutual respect and collaboration that shaped the negotiations. “This agreement reflects our deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication of our incredible musicians,” Hanson said. “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.”
The contract provides steady annual increases: 3% in year one (2025-26 season), 4% in year two, and 5% in year three, bringing the minimum annual salary from $92,811 to $101,350. It maintains the full-time musician complement at 85, including two librarians, and continues a competitive benefits package with 11 weeks of paid vacation, at least 30 days of sick leave, employer-paid pension contributions, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
Jeremy Buckler, chair of the Players’ Committee, highlighted the contract's impact on the orchestra's future. “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,” Buckler said. “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.”
A key innovation in the agreement is the redesigned audition and tenure review processes, which both parties believe could set a new industry standard. All applicants will be invited to a live audition with no screening of resumes, trial weeks have been eliminated to ensure hiring decisions are based on blind auditions, and internal auditions have been discontinued. Tenured and probationary musicians can automatically advance to the first final round of national auditions. The tenure review process now includes improved feedback and formalized evaluation criteria.
Board Chair Barry Rosen praised the collaborative spirit of the negotiations. “From the outset, these negotiations were guided by respect, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our shared aspirations,” Rosen said. “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.”
The BSO invites the community to celebrate 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, supporting the orchestra’s largest annual fundraiser.
