Oregon Symphony and Its Musicians Reach New Collective Bargaining Agreement Six Months Ahead of Schedule

PORTLAND, Ore., July 6, 2026 — The Oregon Symphony and the musicians of the Oregon Symphony, represented by the Musicians’ Union of Portland, AFM Local 99, today announced the ratification of a new four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA), effective July 1, 2026, through September 2, 2030. Notably, the parties reached agreement six months ahead of the current contract’s expiration, a milestone that both sides attribute to an open, collaborative bargaining process grounded in a shared vision of the Symphony’s future. 

Paul Snyder, President & CEO said, “Our musicians are the beating heart of the Oregon Symphony. Their artistry is what fills the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall week after week and makes us impactful on the stage and beyond. Reaching this agreement together six months early says everything about the culture we’ve built between our musicians, our staff, and our board.” 

The early completion of this contract reflects the collaborative approach both parties brought to negotiations and their shared commitment to the Oregon Symphony’s long-term success.

“Guided by trust, transparency, and our shared vision, we arrived at a contract that recognizes the value of this ensemble, strengthens our ability to attract and retain world-class colleagues here in Portland, provides for greater financial resiliency, and lays the foundation for the next chapter of this orchestra. We are proud of this agreement,” said Courtney Angeli, Board Chair.

⁠The ratified agreement, effective July 1, 2026, through September 2, 2030, includes: 

• Competitive compensation growth: Annual increases of 4% (FY27), 4.25% (FY28), 4.25% (FY29), and 4% (FY30), raising the base compensation for musicians to $80,000 over the term of the contract. An additional 1% contractual increase is set to go into effect at the completion of the current fundraising campaign.

• A new retirement benefit: Establishes a comprehensive retirement savings program for all musicians to assist with building long-term financial security. This program includes an institutional matching contribution reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting the financial well-being of its musicians and staff.

• Scheduling and service-use modernization: Reforms designed to improve operational efficiency and scheduling predictability.

• Audition practice modernization: A comprehensive overhaul of the Symphony’s audition practices to better align with industry standards and support a fair, transparent, and equitable hiring process for all musicians.

Together, these provisions position the Oregon Symphony to hire, retain, and nurture its world-class ensemble, bringing musicians’ weekly compensation into closer alignment with peer orchestras and reinforcing Portland’s standing as a destination for exceptional artists. The four-year horizon of the agreement also aids the Oregon Symphony in its long-run financial planning and forecasting. 

Stephen Kehner, Assistant Principal Percussionist and Chair of the Musicians’ Negotiating Committee said, “The musicians of the Oregon Symphony are pleased to have reached a progressive, long-term agreement with the Oregon Symphony Association. Throughout the negotiations, both parties engaged in a cordial and productive collaboration. We believe this agreement provides a strong foundation for the organization's continued success, and we look forward to building an exciting future together.” 

The agreement arrives as the Oregon Symphony pursues an ambitious strategic plan, one that envisions the most significant transformation for the organization in a generation, anchored by a deep belief that the arts are essential infrastructure for a thriving community. 

⁠The multi-GRAMMY Award-nominated Oregon Symphony, led by Jean Vollum Music Director David Danzmayr, serves hundreds of thousands of people annually through concerts, education initiatives, and community programs. With a 130-year legacy, it is the oldest orchestra in the Western United States. Learn more at www.orsymphony.org and follow the Oregon Symphony on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 

Media Contact: Tanner Hanley, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Technology, thanley@orsymphony.org