Negotiations ongoing regarding Youngstown Symphony Orchestra operations
YOUNGSTOWN Negotiations are in progress between the Youngstown Symphony Society (YSS) and the Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium Association regarding the continued operation of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra (YSO).
This is according to a joint statement from Stambaugh and the YSS, shared with 21 News by Stambaugh CEO Matt Pagac. Pagac declined to share details on what the two parties are negotiating.
At the same time, according to recent posts from the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Musicians Facebook page, the musicians' union contract expires Sunday, August 31, and no talks regarding a new contract have been scheduled.
One post alleges that the YSS board of directors, who the musicians' union bargains with, has "failed to engage or respond to requests for negotiations on a successor collective bargaining agreement" and "provide a final season schedule by August 1" as specified in the current collective bargaining agreement.
If a new union contract is not reached, it could prevent the orchestra from having a 2025-2026 season, as the institution approaches its 100th anniversary next year.
The joint statement shared with 21 News by Pagac goes on to say, "an announcement regarding the 2025/2026 YSO season and the music director position will be made if an agreement is reached. The parties are contributing significant efforts to continue the long history of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra."
21 News has reached out to the union that reportedly represents the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra musicians, but has not received anything back as of Tuesday afternoon.
