Philly opens season with players votes on a knife edge

The Philadelphia Orchestra played its opening night some hours ago with players considering ‘a revised final offer’ from the company that includes a small pay rise.

The players’ votes will counted and announced on Saturday night.

Bassist David Fay, chair of the Orchestra’s members’ committee, said: ‘Our membership has agreed to play our opening night performance while we consider the latest contract, and we’re looking forward to spending this evening with our patrons, volunteers, and board members. We remain hopeful for a positive start to the season that includes a strong and fair contract that puts our wages on par with our peers and at pace with the rate of inflation, so we can continue to produce the finest sound and remain the best orchestra in the world.’

Last night was the first time the orchestra ever turned out with a black principal player, bassist Joseph Conyers.