We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life to recent violence in Atlanta and Boulder, and we mourn for the victims, witnesses, and families whose lives will be forever altered by this senseless violence. Our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) colleagues and neighbors have seen a devastating increase in hate and discrimination over the last year, and last week’s violence in Atlanta is part of that unacceptable trajectory. Our East TN and Southeast region is home to musicians of many backgrounds and cultures, and we stand in support and solidarity with our many AAPI colleagues to #StopAsianHate. Please join us in educating ourselves on racism in our field and our community, and in celebrating the vital role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in the fabric of life in East TN.

Jennifer Koh on racialization and belonging in classical musicSupport local AAPI organizations

Support local AAPI organizations

The musicians of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra voted by an overwhelming majority on Thursday to reject an offer from management to renew the season and reinstate them with a drastic pay cut. 

On August 24, KSO management publicly announced the cancellation of the season and furlough of musicians through January 31, in violation of the current collective bargaining agreement. Privately, however, they contacted the musicians and said they would reinstate the season and hold concerts if the musicians would agree to a 27.5 percent pay cut.

“The movement to furlough us was a strong-arm tactic to force us to accept a drastic pay cut that would have made many musicians dependent on government assistance,” says Sam Chen, a member of the orchestra negotiating committee. “Musicians on salary would have been cut from $31,500 to $18,000 annually after health insurance costs.”

Even with the drastic pay cut, musicians considered accepting the agreement as long as management allowed time off to pursue part-time work that would help them survive, but that was refused. “Management asked us to be available 14 hours a day, 6 days a week to perform on demand,” Chen says. “We could not agree to that in good conscience. We want this orchestra to survive, but it can’t if the musicians are starving.”

The Knoxville Symphony has over $9 million in unrestricted cash on hand, the result of aggressive moves to fund the endowment while keeping musician salaries on the poverty line.

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The musicians of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra voted by an overwhelming majority on Thursday to reject an offer from management to renew the season and reinstate them with a drastic pay cut. On August 24, KSO management publicly announced the cancellation of the season and furlough of musicians through January 31, in violation of the current collective bargaining agreement. Privately, however, they contacted the musicians and said they would reinstate the season and hold concerts if the musicians would agree to a 27.5 percent pay cut.“The movement to furlough us was a strong-arm tactic to force us to accept a drastic pay cut that would have made many musicians dependent on government assistance,” says Sam Chen, a member of the orchestra negotiating committee. “Musicians on salary would have been cut from $31,500 to $18,000 annually after health insurance costs.”Even with the drastic pay cut, musicians considered accepting the agreement as long as management allowed time off to pursue part-time work that would help them survive, but that was refused. “Management asked us to be available 14 hours a day, 6 days a week to perform on demand,” Chen says. “We could not agree to that in good conscience. We want this orchestra to survive, but it can’t if the musicians are starving.” The Knoxville Symphony has over $9 million in unrestricted cash on hand, the result of aggressive moves to fund the endowment while keeping musician salaries on the poverty line.

In case you weren’t at our February Masterworks, this was the leaflet that we handed out to our wonderful audience. We need all the support we can get in our contract negotiation. It was inspiring and encouraging to see all the bright blue waving leaflets during the audience’s rambunctious applause.

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This week we gathered a large group of musicians to surprise KSO management with a variety of home-baked cookies. While we want a fair contract, and negotiations can get tense for all involved, we wanted to show our appreciation for ALL the staff that keep the organization running.

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Our musicians share their musical and culinary talents at the symphony soirée. 22 musicians participated for 50 guests in this successful symphony fundraiser.  This event was a part of the Knoxville Symphony Society’s Elegant Dining Series.

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https://www.wuot.org/…/violinists-knoxville-symphony-orches…
Check out this interview about the upcoming concert presented by 11 KSO violinists !!!

We are exited to see the extreme diversity represented in the maestro’s most recently unveiled symphony season.  We hope you are enjoying our current season, and we look forward to performing for you next season!

https://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2020/01/29/next-symphony-season-new-american-diverse/?fbclid=IwAR0Z63H7NKb9KPvx6KhN2v6ob6HN15zjgKUO1I_DacGgvck_5ZCK0mR9eMk