The San Francisco Symphony Chorus went on strike yesterday evening, forcing the cancelation of the opening concert of the 2024-’25 season just two hours before musicians were scheduled to take the stage for Verdi’s Requiem.
Picketing with signs that read “Save the Symphony Chorus” and “No contract = No Chorus,” striking choristers protested San Francisco Symphony management’s proposals to reduce the chorus’s annual compensation by 65% and reduce the number of choral programs on the schedule from 8-11 to five. San Francisco Symphony leaders say the cuts are necessary as the organization faces a $12.5 million budget deficit.
More than 150 choristers were joined by members of the box office and backstage staff, as well as members of the San Francisco Opera chorus.
Talks continue between San Francisco Symphony management and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the union that represents the chorus, however all concerts have been canceled through the weekend. The next scheduled concert with the chorus is Fauré’s Requiem, Nov. 15-17.
