Double Times

We recently met with the New World Symphony Fellows, assisted by President Roitstein, AFM Symphonic Services Director Laura Brownell, AFM Director of Organizing and Education Janice Galassi, ROPA President Tom Fetherston, and special guest Jonathan Sherwin, Cleveland Orchestra Committee Chair.

We spoke to the fellows about the AFM, the health of the symphonic industry, and union contracts. We also explained that they have a responsibility as orchestral players to do more than just show up and play their instruments; they have to be aware of how their orchestras are being managed and how their communities view their orchestra (for more information, see the article by AFM negotiator Nathan Kahn on Polyphonic.org). One of the questions on the mind of the fellows was, what happened to the Florida Philharmonic?

We also met with New World Symphony management to discuss the Fence Agreement. We presented your concerns regarding the New World Symphony's activities and how they effect the professional community. Formal negotiations to amend the Fence Agreement will begin in March.

Lastly, we met with the orchestra committee of the Cleveland Orchestra to discuss the impact of their residency. We hope to have a continuing dialog with them in an effort to better define their relationship with our community.