Tuesday April 28, 2026
MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA AND MUSICIANS REACH NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENT
Two-year agreement extends through August 2028
The Minnesota Orchestra’s governing body and its musicians have approved a new two-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA), effective from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2028. The agreement, which was reached five months in advance of the current contract’s expiration, was separately ratified by both the Board of Directors and the musicians, who are members of the Twin Cities Musicians’ Union (Local 30-73).
“These were productive negotiations in which we were aligned around shared values and an expansive vision of the Minnesota Orchestra,” said Board Chair William Miller. “We are grateful to the musicians for their partnership, which brought us to an outcome that centers our artistic values and allows the organization time to expand revenue streams and innovate our business model over the long term to realize our future aspirations. The fact that we’ve reached agreement five months in advance of the contract’s expiration speaks to the power of a collaborative, open and transparent process.”
The terms of the agreement call for:
- A 2.5% increase to musician weekly salary scale in each year of the contract;
- Temporary changes to hiring practices in order to reduce costs by up to $2 million over the life of the contract.
“We are thankful we were jointly able to reach a result that prioritizes the Minnesota Orchestra’s artistry in our community and industry, while also helping to right the organization’s finances,” said Timothy Zavadil, clarinetist and bass clarinetist representing the Musicians’ Negotiating Committee. “We have great confidence in Isaac Thompson and our Board leadership, and we look forward to building on these relationships toward a bright artistic future.”
“I believe the Minnesota Orchestra is on the precipice of tremendous opportunities, and this negotiation has laid a solid foundation of trust and respect,” said President and CEO Isaac Thompson. “I very much appreciated the musicians’ leadership, their creative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and our ability to work together for the common good of the organization. This contract is a testament to our mutual investment in the future of the Minnesota Orchestra as a central artistic and civic pillar in our community.”
President of the Twin Cities Musicians Union Brad Eggen commented, “This agreement is a vital resource designed to retain the Minnesota Orchestra's stature as one of the premier orchestral ensembles in the world. This talented collection of absolute top-tier musicians is a standard-bearer of our unique community of inspiring Union artists in all genres of music performance.”
Rich History, Forward Momentum
As the Orchestra nears its 125th anniversary season, it has recently announced a series of dynamic new artistic and business initiatives, including plans for its 2026-27 season under the leadership of Music Director Thomas Søndergård. That season features the Sound Unbound project—highly visual, creative treatments of music in the concert hall—and sees the Orchestra embarking on a California tour with violinist Augustin Hadelich. In February, the organization announced that conductor-violinist Leonidas Kavakos would begin a three-year appointment as its principal guest conductor in 2027, marking the first time that role has been filled in 40 years.
Progress also continues in the development of the Community Performing Arts Amphitheater, the 8,000-capacity concert venue along the Mississippi River on the City’s northside to be jointly operated by the Orchestra and First Avenue. With the Orchestra raising needed private funds from a consortium of supporters to advance the public-private partnership, the project is set to begin construction this spring and is slated to open in the summer of 2027, increasing the Twin Cities’ musical footprint.
About the Minnesota Orchestra
Founded in 1903, the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra is known for acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning educational programs; and a commitment to building the orchestral repertoire of tomorrow, all based on the belief that music is for everyone. Each year, Minnesota Orchestra concerts and recordings are seen and heard by more than 2.5 million people via television, radio, digital streaming and on-demand platforms. Led by Music Director Thomas Søndergård, the Orchestra makes its home in the heart of downtown Minneapolis at Orchestra Hall, a venue renowned for its brilliant acoustics and modern design.
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