norman lebrecht
September 18, 2026
Late last night the San Francisco Opera reached agreement with its orchestra on a new four-year contract. Performances will resume with Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra next Tuesday.
Gabe Young, the orchestra’s associate principal oboist, said: ‘We are heartened to have reached a tentative deal that provides a fair contract and stability.’ SF Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock said: ‘I am deeply grateful that we have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract—one that addresses important structural changes while providing a fair agreement for our musicians.’
Until now the starting pay rate was $118,000 for 24 weeks’ work.
Couldn’t this have been sorted out before the season started?