Musicians of the CSO and the CSOA vote to approve a new three-year contract

Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association announced Tuesday that they have agreed to a new three-year contract through September 2026.

The contract calls for a 3 percent annual salary increase and retains current healthcare, insurance and retirement benefits. In addition, the contract sets out improvements in musicians’ working conditions and opportunities to boost revenue as well as cost reductions and managerial efficiencies for the CSOA and Ravinia Festival, where the CSO maintains an annual summer residency.


CSO musicians are represented by the Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208 of the American Federation of Musicians. Negotiations began in June and continued through Sept. 17, the expiration date of the previous contract.

“The Chicago Symphony Orchestra remains a cultural beacon in the world today. Known for its extraordinary artistry, the CSO is an important ambassador for the arts,” said CSOA Board Chair Mary Louise Gorno. “The Trustees recognize and celebrate the incredible musical gifts shared by the musicians of the CSO with our audiences in Chicago, in the U.S. and around the world. On behalf of the board, we express gratitude to the teams who worked collaboratively and productively to secure this new agreement that provides financial sustainability for the organization while retaining the highest artistic standards.”

CSOA President Jeff Alexander said, “This is an important moment for the CSOA and Members of the CSO. The atmosphere of cooperation and partnership that was sustained through these negotiations underlines a foundation that has been strengthened in recent years and recognized priorities that will not only benefit the orchestra and the organization, but the artform and community we serve. I look forward to continuing to work together with Members of the Orchestra and the Chicago Federation of Musicians to advance the legacy of this great Orchestra.”

James Smelser, chair of the CSO Members’ Committee, said, “The Musicians of the CSO are very pleased that an agreement for a new contract with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has been reached. We are appreciative of the Trustees and the administration and their efforts; this agreement demonstrates the strong support by the Board for the Members of the Orchestra. Their commitment allows us to continue the tradition of sharing great orchestral music at the highest level with our audiences in Chicago and across the world.”

Throughout the contract discussions, the CSO Musicians’ Negotiating Committee was represented by the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208 President B.J. Levy, Vice President John Floeter and legal counsel Robert Bloch of Dowd, Bloch, Bennett, Cervone, Auerbach & Yokich LLP. The CSOA was represented by legal counsel Rachel Cowen of McDermott, Will & Emery.


“During the negotiations, the CFM and CSOA presented thoughtful and reasoned arguments in a respectful manner, emerging with a contract that strengthens the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Association as well,” said CFM President B.J. Levy. “The union is pleased with the outcome and celebrates the extraordinary talent and commitment of the musicians of this historic cultural institution and crown jewel of the orchestral world.”

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 23-24 Season begins Sept. 21 with Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti leading a program of works by Stravinsky, Liadov and Brahms.