News

Atlanta Symphony Flutist,’We’ve Given A Lot’

September 10th, 2012

There’s still no scheduled date for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association and the ASO management to negotiate a new contract.

The governing board of the Woodruff Arts Center is looking for an additional $1.6 million in concessions from the musicians.

But a musician who’s also an orchestra representative says they’ve offered a lot already.

Christina Smith is the principal flutist for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

She’s spent half her life as a member.

The current lockout means no money or health benefits. That leaves some musicians in dire straits.

“It’s very frustrating and very sad as well; I love this orchestra. I’ve put my heart and soul into this orchestra as all of our players really have to work to make it one of America’s great orchestras.”

Now a mother of two and part of the negotiating team for the orchestra, Smith says the musicians have put $4 million in concessions on the table.

“We recognize that there is a severe financial problem in this institution,” says Smith.

The longtime flutist says the musicians are committed to and willing to play a part in the solution.

The musicians’ offer includes reducing the number of players, paying part of the health insurance and reducing the number of performances.

While ASO management would prefer to call this a work stoppage, Smith says the current lockout means no money or health benefits. That, she adds, leaves some musicians in dire straits.

“We have members of this orchestra who are undergoing chemotherapy. We have members who have children with illnesses that are serious and that have been the most heart-wrenching part of this in many ways.”

In a statement, ASO president and CEO Stanley Romanstein said over the last six years the administrative staff of the ASO has been reduced by nearly 2%.

But Christina Smith says those figures are flat out wrong and counters with another estimate:

“It is a fact that total staff compensation in 2006 was $4 million and total staff compensation in 2012 was $6 million. No matter how you look at it, that is a 50% increase. ”

Last week Romanstein told WABE the financials are accurate.

He also said there could be room for flexibility in the negotiations but for that to happen the two sides need to actually meet.

Christina Smith says the musicians are waiting on ASO management:

“I would like to see us go on and sign a contract. The players left the last offer on the table and we have heard no response.”