The Philadelphia Orchestra and Philadelphia Musicians’ Union AFM Local 77-274 Announce New Three-Year Labor Agreement

Updated September 17, 2026: Philadelphia Musicians’ Union, American Federation of Musicians Local 77-274, has ratified the contract announced on September 14.

(Philadelphia, September 17, 2026)—The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and the Philadelphia Musicians’ Union, American Federation of Musicians Local 77-274, have reached an agreement for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract term runs from September 14, 2026, through September 9, 2029. 

The agreement was reached through a collaborative and productive negotiation process that reflects an investment in the musicians at the heart of The Philadelphia Orchestra, provides supports to preserve the Orchestra’s storied “Philadelphia Sound,” and demonstrates responsible stewardship of the long-term financial health of the institution.  

The agreement provides the musicians with wage increases that address inflation and takes a step toward ensuring that The Philadelphia Orchestra continues to attract and retain the world’s best musicians. It also includes restoration of the Orchestra’s musician complement, as well as first-in-the-nation protections against hearing loss. The new contract broadens public access to the Orchestra: It expands opportunities to invite thousands more students to attend open rehearsals and provides scheduling flexibility that will enable the Orchestra to reach broader, more diverse audiences, locally and abroad.
  

“This forward-looking agreement reflects our shared commitment to the extraordinary artistry of the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra while ensuring the short- and long-term strength of the institution for the benefit of all,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. “We are grateful to everyone who worked with determination to reach this agreement and look forward to moving ahead together.” 

“There is no Philadelphia Orchestra without the dedication of its world-class musicians,” said Dara Morales, chair of the Members’ Committee. “Through this collaborative negotiation, we were able to achieve an agreement that meaningfully invests in the musicians and provides necessary improvements to work rules, among other gains. Above all, the process, and our resulting agreement, elevates this orchestra as one that values the perspectives of the artists at the center of our institution.” 

“Our city is a beacon for arts and culture, thanks in large part to the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra,” said Ellen Trainer, president of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 77-274. “I’m proud of the musicians who came together and worked collaboratively with management to reach an agreement that recognizes the important work they do and strengthens the future of the Orchestra. The Union looks forward to continuing to work with the Association to support an orchestra where musicians are respected, valued, and able to continue bringing world-class music to audiences in Philadelphia and beyond.” 

The musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra voted this week to ratify the agreement, which went into effect immediately thereafter, with salary increases applying retroactively.

NEGOTIATING TEAMS 

The musicians’ Negotiating Committee consisted of Chair Dara Morales, assistant principal second violin; Joseph Conyers, principal bass; David Fay, bass; William Polk, violin; Nathaniel West, bass; together with Ellen Trainer, president of the Philadelphia Musicians’ Union, AFM Local 77-274, and Marjorie Goldberg, vice president of the Philadelphia Musicians’ Union, AFM Local 77-274. 

The Association team consisted of President and CEO Ryan Fleur; Chief Artistic Production Officer and head negotiator Tanya Derksen; Chief Financial Officer Mario Mestichelli; and Director of Orchestra Personnel Ashley Stonebraker. 

PERFORMANCES 

The 2026–27 season of The Philadelphia Orchestra begins on September 24, 2026, with Opening Night, a benefit concert in support of the Musicians’ Retirement Fund. The musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin are graciously donating their services for the Opening Night Concert. 

For tickets and full schedule information, visit philorch.org.