ISO Players Association issues statement of support for musicians of the San Francisco Symphony

Musicians have been on strike since March 13

(Indianapolis, Ind.)  The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Players Association (ISOPA) issued a statement of support today for the musicians of the San Francisco Symphony, who have been on strike since March 13, 2013:

"We, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Players Association, strongly support the musicians of the San Francisco Symphony, as they continue their fight for a contract that is both fair and reasonable.

We know all too well the challenges these musicians and their loved ones face during this work stoppage, as we endured a lock out last fall that left us without pay and health care benefits for five weeks.  However, it is the people of the Bay Area who stand to lose the most, as they are being deprived of the beautiful symphonic music that their musicians perform with authenticity, integrity and grace.  It was the people of Indianapolis who sustained us during our lock out, and we hope the people of San Francisco do the same for their musicians.

It greatly concerns us that orchestra managers and boards across our country are flocking to a trend that balances their budgets on the backs of musicians.  These actions threaten the very existence of the orchestras we all have worked so hard to build.  In order to preserve the future artistic quality and cultural viability of our nation's orchestras, these measures must end.  Casting blame on musicians for financial challenges is simply not the solution to the problem.  Rather, a thoughtful solution that includes meaningful participation of musicians is necessary if our orchestra are to thrive for future generations to both enjoy and support."