ESO, musicians hope to sign 5-year pact

Elgin Symphony Orchestra officials hope to ink a new contract with their 69 musicians in the next couple weeks.

Orchestra leaders said this week that a tentative, five-year deal has been reached.

ESO General Manager Julie Griffin said the proposal includes a raise, but declined to discuss specifics because union members have not seen it yet.

She said negotiations have been cordial and respectful. "I'm very upbeat. We have a very good relationship with our members," Griffin said.

Performing for the ESO is a source of secondary income for its members.

Griffin said that under the current five-year contract, which is set to expire at the end of this month, musicians are paid $100 for a rehearsal or performance and do not receive health insurance.

If they don't play, they don't get paid.

That is a stark contrast to elite groups. First-year musicians in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are paid about $2,360 per week, according to CSO spokesman Marc van Bree.

Musicians also receive other benefits such as health insurance and pension eligibility.

Gary Matts is president of the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208, which includes ESO players.

He also said he could not talk about the contract's specifics until the members have seen it.

"We have to present the total package to our members for ratification," Matts said. "I think it's a good, responsible agreement in the part of both parties. They've struck a good balance. We're recommending the members ratify it."

The 69 members of the ESO will vote via mail-in ballot and a simple majority is needed.

The ESO ends its season this weekend and performs more than 60 times a year.

The next concert is a free performance at Elgin's FoxFire Fest on Aug. 1 at Festival Park.

The kickoff of its 59th season is Sept. 20 with a gala performance including "The Planets," narrated by your favorite Vulcan, Leonard Nimoy.

For details, call (847) 888-4000.