Symphony Agrees To Provide Furloughed Musicians With Stipend

Tennessee Lookout

By
Dulce Torres Guzman
-

December 9, 2020

In June, orchestral musicians learned they were furloughed from the Nashville Symphony Orchestra until mid-2021, but after months-long negotiations, the board of the organization has agreed to provide them with a stipend starting Jan. 3, 2021.

“This agreement represents a vital first step in bringing the Nashville Symphony back from one of the most monumental challenges it has faced,” said Pamela Carter, chair of the Nashville Symphony’s Board of Directors.

The NSO Board of Directors voted to furlough all musicians and a majority of the staff while suspending all concert activity until July 31, 2021. The decision came amid concerns of social-distancing requirements and high operating costs, with projected losses of $8 million.

Nashville Musicians Association President Dave Pomeroy spoke of the difficulties with unemployment experienced by musicians nationwide.

“Like so many unemployed Americans, [musicians] were faced with heartbreaking decisions in order to survive — some of which involved not being able to stay in Nashville at all,” said Pomeroy.

“It is fortunate that we were finally able to reach an agreement with the NSO to give some assistance to these world-class musicians, and help them get through this unprecedented time,” he said.

Musicians will be provided with a $500 weekly stipend, and musicians will commit to participating in community performances to be determined by the orchestra’s administration.

Support for the Nashville Symphony comes from Nissan North America and Amazon, the latter of which has also donated millions to the Tennessee Housing Fund.

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