Please Support Your Cleveland Orchestra Musicians

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra agreed to a new three-year contract on Sunday, Sept. 27 that gives them a fair compensation package, a voice in auditions, and improved safety.

"We want to thank the thousands of supporters who wrote testimonials, signed our petitions, and carried us through a sometimes painful, but very purposeful effort to ensure this great Cleveland Orchestra will continue to attract and retain the finest musicians in the world, said Elayna Duitman, Negotiating Committee Chair and a violinist in the Orchestra for 16 years. 

"We were able to agree to a fair compensation package, a voice in our auditions and improved safety for our musicians. We look forward to a wonderful new season of music for the Cleveland Orchestra and our audiences,” Duitman said.

"It was not our intention or easy to go on strike, but our members stood in unity to fight for what is best for this great institution and our community. As a result, we have a new agreement that will preserve and protect the Cleveland Orchestra we love,”  said Jonathan Sherwin, Vice-President of Local 4 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Sherwin recently retired from the Orchestra after 29 years playing bassoon.

“The musicians are leaving Tuesday, September 29 for an European Tour. They are so excited to bring the music of the Cleveland Orchestra to audiences around the world and to be able to represent Cleveland and Northeast Ohio is truly an honor," Sherwin said.