The San Francisco Opera announced on Thursday it has reached a tentative agreement with the orchestra musicians for a new four-year contract to end the strike.
The agreement spans from Aug. 1 through July 31, 2030, and is still subject to ratification, according to San Francisco Opera. The company added its 104th season will open on Sept. 22 with Giuseppe Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra.
Despite reaching an agreement, the Opera noted weekend performances will remain canceled, saying “staging world-class opera performances requires significant rehearsal, preparation and planning”. Those with tickets can choose their options by visiting the Opera’s website.
The strike was announced Saturday afternoon, prompting the cancelation of the Opera’s 104th season opening night and many other performances. Musicians said over the weekend they had been in negotiation with the Opera right up until Saturday’s scheduled opening night performance but could not reach an agreement.
“I am deeply grateful that we have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, one that addresses important structural changes while providing a fair agreement for our Musicians,” San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock said. “I want to thank both negotiating committees and recognize the leadership of Mayor Lurie, Matthew Goudeau and the mediators. All have worked tirelessly over the past week to realize this agreement. We look forward to welcoming our talented company members and guest artists, as well as our cherished patrons and donors, back to the theater. Most of all, we look forward to coming together again and reconnecting through the collective beauty of the arts.”
“We are heartened to have reached a tentative deal that provides a fair contract and stability for the members of the orchestra,” San Francisco Opera Orchestra Associate Principal Oboist and Chair of the Orchestra Negotiating Committee Gabe Young said. “We are grateful to Mayor Lurie and his team, who put in long hours over the past several days to help broker this agreement, and we want to thank the public and Opera patrons for their patience and support through what has been a challenging process for our musicians. We look forward to working together to build on the progress being made at the San Francisco Opera, and we cannot wait to return to the pit to begin this new season and perform once again for the company we love.”
To learn more about the Opera’s season, visit its website.
