Stand With the Musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia

Executive Leadership and Board of Directors, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia

Power Balance

Great Music Deserves Fair Treatment.

Work Deserves Pay.

This. Is. Not. Normal.

The musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia have dedicated their artistry and professionalism to enriching Philadelphia's cultural community. But behind the music, serious concerns remain unresolved.

Musicians have experienced months of delay in receiving payment for work already performed. At the same time, negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement have continued without a resolution.

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Musicians’ Union (AFM Local 77-274) remain in negotiations following the October 26, 2026, expiration of an extension to the musicians’ collective bargaining agreement.

Earlier this year, musicians experienced substantial delays in receiving payment for their services, raising serious concerns about the organization’s ability to meet its contractual financial obligations. Additionally, $37,315.52 in musician pension contributions remained outstanding as of October 30, placing the organization at risk of expulsion from the musicians’ pension fund.

The musicians have demonstrated patience, professionalism, and a willingness to reach a fair agreement. They deserve the same commitment from management.

We are calling on Chamber Orchestra leadership to:

  • Pay musicians on time. Honor all contractual financial obligations, including wages and benefits.
  • Prioritize negotiations. Return to the bargaining table promptly and engage in meaningful discussions.
  • Bargain in good faith. Work constructively with AFM Local 77-274 toward a fair collective bargaining agreement.
  • Demonstrate accountability. Address the concerns that have undermined musicians' confidence in management.
The musicians are the heart of the Chamber Orchestra. Their livelihoods, professional dignity, and contributions to Philadelphia's arts community deserve respect.

Add your name today. Tell Chamber Orchestra leadership that its audiences and community supporters are paying attention.

Fair Pay. Accountability. Respect for Musicians.

To: Executive Leadership and Board of Directors, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
From: [Your Name]

To the Executive Leadership and Board of Directors of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia:

As a supporter of the arts and the professional musicians who enrich Philadelphia's cultural community, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing contract negotiations between the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and AFM Local 77-274.

The musicians have experienced significant delays in compensation for their work and have already agreed to extend their existing contract to provide additional time for negotiations.

These musicians are essential to the artistic excellence and reputation of the Chamber Orchestra. They deserve reliable compensation, fair working conditions, and meaningful engagement at the bargaining table.

I urge the Chamber Orchestra's leadership to:

1. Ensure that all musicians receive their earned wages and contractual benefits accurately and on time.

2. Prioritize negotiations with AFM Local 77-274 and respond substantively to the Union's proposals, including transparently providing information when requested by the musicians.

3. Bargain in good faith toward a fair and mutually acceptable agreement.

4. Demonstrate financial accountability and respect for the musicians whose work makes the orchestra's artistic mission possible.

I value the Chamber Orchestra and want to see it succeed. A sustainable future for this institution must include fair treatment of the musicians at its heart.

I stand with the musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and urge management to reach a fair agreement.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Supporters of the Chamber Orchestra Musicians