This 2020 photo shows the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra onstage at Hilbert Circle Theatre. (Photo provided by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and its musicians announced Friday a three-year labor agreement that includes increased salaries for the 78 members of the musicians’ bargaining unit.
According to a spokesperson for the musicians, incremental pay increases will add up to a 9.6% raise across the three years when compared with the musicians’ present compensation.
The base salary for members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Players Association and Local 3 of the American Federation of Musicians will be $74,000 in the final year of the three-year contract ratified on Thursday.
The Indiana Symphony Society Inc., the nonprofit parent organization of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, came to terms with the musicians one day before the opening of popular concert series “AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration.” The holiday shows begin Friday and run through Dec. 23.
In February, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra unveiled a five-year strategic plan with an eye toward the organization’s centennial anniversary in 2030.
The strategic plan outlined goals such as growing audiences through innovative events and marketing, strengthening community engagement and modernizing the ISO’s home venue, Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle.
“This [labor] agreement signifies a mutual dedication to artistic excellence, service to our community and long-term sustainability,” Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra CEO James Johnson said in a written statement. “As the ISO embarks on a new strategic plan, our musicians will play a vital role in achieving our vision to serve the community as a dynamic and unifying leader in the arts. The spirit of collaboration and mutual respect demonstrated in our constructive discussions with the musicians points toward a positive future for this orchestra.”
The previous labor contract was a three-year deal established in 2021. In September 2024, the sides agreed to a one-year extension of the 2021 contract.
Richard Graef, co-chair of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Players Association’s negotiating committee, said the newly ratified agreement represents a shared commitment to strengthen the orchestra.
“The musicians are encouraged by the ISO strategic plan and recognize the collaborative spirit that brought us to this agreement,” said Graef, a horn player in the orchestra since 1991. “We look forward to continuing that partnership as we enter this next chapter and work together to ensure the ISO grows, thrives and serves our community for generations to come.”
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