In light of the Chautauqua Administration’s announcement to replace the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO) with alternate programming, we are writing to ask for fair negotiations of a new contract for the musicians of the CSO.

The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO) consists of 74 musicians and it has been a part of Chautauqua’s history for the past 87 years. The CSO is severely underpaid in comparison to other professional symphonies, and it is recorded as the fourth lowest paying orchestra in America. After negotiating for fair wages, the CHQ Administration has announced that they will replace the CSO with alternate programming if the musicians of the orchestra do not accept their final “take it or leave it” offer, which translates into a .005% raise or merely $52 dollar per season over a two year period. This ultimatum does not allow any room for negotiations and as a result, the CSO will cease to exist in less than just one month if action is not taken to arrange a new contract. In light of the Chautauqua Administration’s announcement to replace the CSO, we are writing to ask for fair negotiations of a new contract for the musicians of the CSO.

Failed negotiations for a new contract would end all professional symphonic performances at CHQ, opera performances which require collaboration with the symphony, and ballet performances which commonly use live symphonic music rather than recordings. Additionally, other musicians, including popular artists, may not perform here (click on the Local 802 Letter of Support on the menu bar, above, and you'll see how this can also end week 9 Jazz). Not only will this impact property values, seasonal rentals, gate pass attendance/revenue and donations but also students in the Chautauqua Music School Festival Orchestra (MSFO).

The CSO is also directly related to the Chautauqua summer program for young professional musicians: the Chautauqua Music School Festival Orchestra (MSFO). Every summer, CSO musicians train MSFO members through private lessons, chamber music coachings, sectionals, etc. Due to the MSFO’s sole reliance on musicians of the CSO, the disintegration of the CSO would have disastrous effects on the summer institute. Musicians of the CSO serve as role models, mentors, and inspiration to the young artists working towards their professional careers. If new faculty was hired after the orchestra was cut, the MSFO program would inevitably still suffer because CSO provides young students the opportunity to observe professional orchestra musicians rehearse and perform on a daily basis. Not only is the CHQ Administration taking away from student programming or events; they are also taking away a significant component of the MSFO program that promotes creativity and high artistry from young students. As aspiring musicians, we are disappointed in the Chautauqua Administration’s decision to replace the CSO and their treatment towards the musicians, as it negatively reflects on the future of classical musicians and orchestras, especially in light of recent strikes.


As advocates of high quality music and equal opportunity, we hope that the CSO and Chautauqua Administration will be able to reach a fair compromise. The CSO is an integral part of the Chautauqua community -- an environment meant to foster creativity, education, and the arts. Because this orchestra is deeply rooted in the tradition of the community and artistry after 87 years of coexistence, the removal of the CSO would result in a huge loss for the spirit and prosperity of the Chautauqua Institution.

Please join us in our efforts to save the Chautauqua Symphony by signing this petition. For more information or for additional ways to help, please visit the CSO website: http://www.saveyoursymphony.com.