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THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY AND MUSICIANS REACH NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENT
Agreement Supports Extraordinary Performances, Community Engagement, Education Programs and the Symphony’s Role as an Innovative Leader
PHOENIX (August 27, 2025) The Phoenix Symphony and its musicians, members of the Professional Musicians of Arizona, American Federation of Musicians Local 586, today announced an agreement on a new contract.
Negotiations were guided by shared priorities of artistic excellence, community engagement, and education, along with vital efforts to expand the Symphony’s family of audiences and donors.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing the Symphony,” said President and CEO Peter Kjome. “The season ahead marks an extraordinary moment of opportunity. Together with our musicians, Board, staff, and community partners, we are strengthening an institution that will continue to inspire, educate, and enrich lives as we secure a vibrant future for the Symphony and all those we serve.”
The one-year agreement extends through October 31, 2026, and reaffirms the Symphony’s role as Arizona’s largest performing arts organization. It provides for a 35-week performance season, a 3.5% increase in weekly compensation, and provisions to support continued collaboration between musicians, management, and the Board of Directors.
“Our colleagues remain deeply committed to the success of The Phoenix Symphony, and this agreement represents meaningful progress,” said Mark Deatherage, Phoenix Symphony Associate Principal Violist and lead negotiator for Local 586. “This is an important step forward as we work to advance our symphony orchestra, its programs, and its people.”
“This is a significant milestone as we collaborate to ensure that Phoenix and Arizona remain home to a great orchestra for years to come,” said Tessa Gotman Bock, Phoenix Symphony Violinist and Musicians Contract Review Committee Co-Chair.
Board Chair Mo Stein spoke about the importance of the agreement, “This contract helps us continue reaching new audiences and serving our diverse community.” Stein added, “The Board is grateful as we move forward in partnership with our exceptional musicians.”
Lon Babby, Chair Emeritus and Contract Review Committee Chair, said, “With this agreement, we can focus on the future and make essential progress with the support of our community.”
The Phoenix Symphony will open an extraordinary new season in October. Season subscriptions for 2025/26 are available at phoenixsymphony.org.
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About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization and one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporate, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists.
The core mission of The Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 100,000 students through education and partnerships, and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals, and in hospice. Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2024 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
