The musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be back on stage this week.
Not in an official capacity, as the labor dispute between them and ASO’s management continues, but in a series of benefit concerts.
A majority of the players will present two special benefit concerts Thursday and Friday at the Center for the Arts at North Atlanta High School.
It will be the first time many of them have been on stage for months – and it might be the last time in any foreseeable future as signs of contract settlement still seem far away.
Joel Dallow, a cellist for the orchestra, said the concert series will have several meanings.
“It allows the public to get the chance to hear what we have to offer. It has been a while since we have played as a full orchestra,” said Dallow, who is a spokesman for the musicians on the labor front. “And it is always a morale booster in times like these to get together and play music.”
But there is also a third component to the concerts. Although the performances are free, the musicians will be accepting donations for members who are in need of healthcare.
With the musicians currently being locked out, they are not receiving a salary or insurance coverage.
“Several of our members have pre-existing conditions. Several are undergoing cancer treatments right now,” said Principal Flute Christina Smith. “We don’t have a salary or health care right now, so any donations we get would go toward that end.”
The last contract that the musicians signed expired last month. Now, the musicians and management are in a stalemate over terms of a new contract.
The two sides are more than $1 million apart in their contract negotiations, which centers on salary and the length of the season.
One way that management — which is facing a projected $20 million debt — is trying to handle expenses is by trimming the number of active weeks from 52 to 42, which would cut musician salaries. The players have offered $4 million in cuts over two years.
Neither side is actively talking now, but the Oct. 4 season opening concert is still on the calendar in anticipation of a last minute settlement.
The concerts will begin at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at North Atlanta High School, 2875 Northside Dr. in Atlanta.
Michael Palmer, the former associate conductor of the Atlanta Symphony and the Charles Thomas Wurm Distinguished Professor of Orchestral Studies at Georgia State University, will conduct the two performances.
Smith said the music hasn’t been finalized yet, but it will likely be a traditional program.
Because seating is limited, reservations are required for admission. To RSVP email rrcolbert@atlanta.k12.ga.us or call 404-802-4728 and include your name and number of seats needed.
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