by Bailey White
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is facing a series of changes, having just signed a five-year Master Agreement that is designed to help revive a somewhat stagnant financial situation.
A union agreement, in the works since February, was ratified by JSO musicians last week.
“It was a long negotiation process because in the eyes of the union, cutbacks aren’t really favorable,” said Alan Hopper, executive director of JSO. “There was a lot to address, a lot of questions and concerns to be answered.”
Hopper said one of the main priorities was to trim the budget.
“We were at a place where we recognized the need to cut expenses,” said Hopper. “We wanted to stabilize ourselves and to get ahead of our income.”
According to Hopper, the five-year term is “considerably long,” but is a sign of the the symphony’s dedication to rebuild.
“In this situation, it’s important to demonstrate our commitment,” he said.
The budget cuts will also impact future performances.
“Artistically, we’re paying more attention to our decisions with our overall budget in mind. It’s affecting the guest artists we schedule; some will obviously cost more than others. Some of the pieces we perform are on a grander scale than others, requiring more instruments. We’ll take that into consideration. We’re trying to balance the size of works and the overall cost of our guest artists,” said Hopper.
The current season has been reduced from 38 to 37 weeks, another reflection of the cutbacks.
“The musicians are very disappointed to be taking cuts in pay, pension and health benefits after such a long period of financial and artistic growth by the JSO,” said Chris Banks, co-chair of the musicians negotiating committee. “The musicians sincerely hope that the JSO can return to a tradition of growth now that we have allowed a period of financial recovery.”
At the administrative level, JSO has reduced the number of positions.
“We’re down about four full-time positions,” said Hopper. “We cut where we were able to incorporate positions into others, took on some new people. Our team [of 20 full-time positions] is one of the strongest, most committed and creative teams I’ve worked with,” he said.
Besides the artistic and administrative cutbacks, JSO is revising its marketing and sales techniques.
“Our strategy before had been, ‘Build it and they will come,’ ” said Hopper. “Now, we’re looking at the symphony as more of a retail industry. We’re taking inventory of empty seats and trying to look at the situation like a department store might. Maybe it’s time to offer incentives and specials. Our philosophy is changing from just marketing to sales. The sales team is focusing on what makes people to buy tickets and how to get them sold.”
Hopper points out that the problems facing the JSO aren’t specific to Jacksonville. “This is an industry problem,” he said. “Lots of arts organizations are dealing with this as well. The industry hasn’t adapted to lifestyle changes. We haven’t taken into consideration what entertainment people can get at home now.”
Music Director Fabio Mechetti, who has been with the symphony since 1999, has signed on for another five years with JSO, extending his position through the 2006-07 season.
“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I extend my association with this great organization,” Mechetti said in the press release.
“He has brought a high level of professionalism with him and now lives in Jacksonville permanently, though he continues to guest conduct. He is a wonderful asset to the community,” said Hopper, adding he wants the symphony to better its relationship with the community, donors and corporations that offer support. “We want everyone to have a part.”
A board retreat is scheduled for Saturday, during which revenue enhancement strategies will be discussed.
“It will be a strategic thinking session,” said Hopper. “We’ll be assessing our current needs, both in contributed and earned revenue. We’re looking to move forward.”
This weekend also marks the opening of the Symphony’s Masterworks Series, running Thursday through Saturday, and featuring guest pianist Terrence Wilson.