Joint Statement from Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Federation of Musicians #10-208

November 11, 2020

Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Federation of Musicians local #10-208 (CFM) have reached an agreement to modify their currently existing multi-year labor agreement that extends through the 2020/21 Season. Lyric’s General Director, President & CEO, Anthony Freud, cites “Our goals are the same; to protect our individuals and protect our company through this unprecedented and volatile pandemic. We have worked collaboratively to reach mutual agreement on a compensation and health care package to provide some security for our artists in this uncertain world.”

The CFM local #10-208 President Terryl Jares states, "The CFM and the musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra are pleased to have worked with Lyric to reach an agreement. The agreement helps our members financially in this unprecedented time, and provides a path for Lyric and the musicians to effectively collaborate on finding ways to continue to bring great opera performances to Chicago."

Lyric’s leadership team continues ongoing conversations with its IATSE groups that represent Theatrical Stage Employees, and the American Guild of Musical Artists which represents our stage artists and production staff. “We are hopeful to reach similar agreements with both groups in the very near future, says Freud. “Despite our stage being dark and the devastating financial impact of cancelling the remainder of the current season, we do not intend to leave any of our artists and technicians behind.”

Lyric Opera of Chicago is currently planning to open its 2021/22 Season in September of next year.

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, Music Director Sir Andrew Davis, Music Director Designate Enrique Mazzola, and Special Project Advisor Renée Fleming, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

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