CINCINNATI, OH – Summermusik and the musicians of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, represented by the Cincinnati Musicians Association American Federation of Musicians Local 1, announce the successful ratification of a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, effective January 1, 2026. The agreement marks a recommitment to artistic excellence and financial stability as well as a focus on the future of the unique, dynamic ensemble – the only professional chamber orchestra in the Greater Cincinnati area.
“We appreciated the open and positive dialogue with staff and board members throughout the negotiation process. With the agreement’s ratification, we believe we have made meaningful improvements not just to wages, but to working conditions and to the audition and tenure processes as well,” said Sujean Kim, member of the Musicians Committee and Assistant Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
The new CBA increases the per-service compensation rate by 15% over the course of the agreement and, for the first time, the orchestra will incorporate principal overscale in the payment structure. New language regarding audition practices and the tenure process are also included with the aim of ensuring all candidates are assessed equally and objectively and set up for success once they join the orchestra. A second permanent section bass position has been created in the ensemble, cartage payments have been increased, and curators for the Summermusik Chamber Crawl series will receive an increased payment for their programming work. The agreement also codifies a Teaching Artist Fee for orchestra members with the aim of strengthening educational and outreach efforts with organizations like MYCincinnati and the Immanuel School of Music.
Daniel Pfhal, who held the position of Board President during negotiations, stated: “The negotiation process is always a labor intensive one, but the Board appreciated that, from the start, it was evident everyone involved shared the common goal of providing fair compensation while ensuring the future of the orchestra. We are a very unique organization – we don’t operate like a large symphony orchestra nor a small non-profit. In my 10+ years with the orchestra, I’ve seen how adaptable we are in the wake of things like the pandemic, changes in arts funding, and new technology. It was important to come to an agreement that would keep us stable as the world around us continues to change.”
The good news doesn’t end with the members of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, however. Music Director Eckart Preu has extended his contract with the ensemble through the 2030 Summermusik Festival season. Preu has served as music director and the primary artistic director of the orchestra and the Summermusik Festival since October 1, 2016.
“I am thrilled to continue my journey with the Summermusik family, and to continue working with the fantastic musicians of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra,” said Music Director Eckart Preu. “This organization embodies both extraordinary quality and an exemplary adventurous spirit. I am looking forward to a continuous exploration of ideas and repertoire and to creating musical experiences that inspire our audience – and us.”
About Summermusik: Founded in 1974, Summermusik with resident ensemble Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra creates intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious. Under the direction of Music Director Eckart Preu, Summermusik provides a unique and educational musical experience in an intimate setting for both seasoned and novice concert patrons. The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra is comprised of 33 professional musicians, the ideal ensemble size for presenting orchestral works from classical to pop to the music of world cultures as well as commissioned works by contemporary composers. Often, the ensemble shrinks down to as small as three musicians, allowing the organization to annually present more than 80 performances throughout Greater Cincinnati. Summermusik’s signature program, the Summermusik Festival, presents 11 orchestra and chamber music concerts each August, and the Spring We Are One Festival, launched in 2022, amplifies under-consulted voices by acknowledging historical and contemporary inequities and celebrating unique cultures.
Summermusik is supported by Robert and Debra Chavez, Barbara and Wayne Beimesch, Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, ArtsWave Community Campaign, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Irv and Melinda Simon, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Charles H. Dater Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council
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