Last season, while the Baltimore Opera Company slouched toward liquidation and other musical organizations in the area canceled or postponed performances because of the economic downturn, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra kept its head above water - and not just financially.
Inside the BSO, where relations between the musicians and management had been greatly strained only a few years ago, a remarkable level of cooperation prevailed, enabling both sides to make substantial sacrifices as the recession took its toll.
In January, Paul Meecham, president and chief executive officer of the BSO, announced $1 million in cuts on the administrative side, including layoffs and furloughs, to try to make up for sagging ticket sales and donations. Meecham knew that a sizable deficit loomed ahead.
The musicians knew, too.
"During past financial troubles, we felt it was someone's fault," said contrabassoonist David Coombs. "This was obviously no one's fault. That's why the attitude is different in the orchestra. I think we have a great spirit and a sense of shared mission now."
Just after finishing up a recording session with music director Marin Alsop in late March, English horn player Jane Marvine had a message for Meecham.
"Jane came up to me and said, 'We can see everything you're doing, and we appreciate that you haven't come to us first [for cuts]. We realize we have to ... be a part of the solution,' " Meecham said.
The result was "Music Matters," a voluntary concession by the musicians on wages and benefits totaling $1 million and a challenge to the community to match that giveback, two-to-one, in new or increased gifts. As of this month, $1 million has been raised through this initiative, including $50,000 from Alsop.
In July, the players accepted another $1 million in concessions, wiping out raises and other gains they had expected as part of a three-year contract settled in August 2008. The new deal called for two weeks of furlough last month, three more furloughed weeks and a pay cut in the 2009-2010 season - in all, a 12.5 percent salary reduction.
"I don't think any other orchestra has made the level of sacrifice we've made here," said piccolo player Laurie Sokoloff, current head of the BSO players committee.
Meanwhile, administrative staffers face graduated pay cuts, up to 15 percent for senior management, this month. The annual budget for this season has been reduced to $24.7 million, down by $3.7 million.
