Munich orchestra: We’re underpaid
OrchestrasMusicians in the Munich Symphony Orchestra, ranking fourth in the city’s hierarchy, have discovered that they are paid 800 Euros a month less than the lowest paid in the other orchestra.
They have published an open letter to that effect.
Their conductor, Joseph Bastian, says: ‘In a crisis, the weakest are hit hardest. This is not about a feel-good salary, but about the existential needs of our musicians. They are the worst paid in the whole of Germany and they have to live with that in (high-priced) Munich.’
the correct name of the chief conductor is:
Joseph Bastian,
formerly a trombone player in Janson’s BRSO and now one of the most promising conductors around.
I don’t think ranking orchestras in a “hierarchy” is particularly useful or meaningful – however, there are more than three orchestras in Munich which pay their musicians (much) higher salaries: the two radio orchestras, the two opera orchestras, the Philharmonic and also the Münchner Kammerorchester.
Additionally, the above post makes it look like the Munich Symphony’s wages are 800€ below other Munich orchestras – however, it is actually much more dramatic:
the quoted figure refers to the lowest salaries in the collective bargaining agreement for all German orchestras (TVK) with its tiered system, ranging from D to A (+possible additional extra pay).
Therefore, the claim is that the Munich Symphony’s salaries are hundreds of euros less than TVK D – while the other orchestras in Munich are all paying TVK A or (much) higher.
Two things: (1) Bastian being a trombonist and a “promising” conductor just means the tbone dominance in the art music world is only continuing to strengthen; and
(2) in America, if you are dissatisfied with the pay you receive you either ask for more or quit for a better paying job. Petitioning for grievances through media seems very socialist / communist to our ways of thinking.
But cool if it works! Raise taxes again and roll in the money if you’re a govt employee!
Munich is a world class orchestra with an historic tradition of greatness! It’s a disgrace that they are paid as a second class ensemble. It takes generations to create this performance level but only a few years to destroy it. It’s time for the authorities to step up to the podium!
The Munich Symphony is far from a world class orchestra – maybe you are thinking of the Munich Philharmonic Roger? Yes they are poorly paid but they aren’t actually very good…
“they aren’t very good” – succinctly put, admittedly, but perhaps a bit thin on substance or evidence …
Munich audiences and recent press reviews don’t seem to agree with your opinion.
just one example (Abendzeitung, 1st Dec. 23):
“Joseph Bastian lädt die Musikerinnen und Musiker mit seinen eleganten Bewegungen unwiderstehlich dazu ein, mindestens so schön zu klingen wie die anderen, traditionsreicheren Orchester der Stadt”