Facts and Finances
What you need to know about the San Francisco Symphony's ongoing negotiations.
Updated September 6, 2025
The musicians of the San Francisco Symphony are currently in negotiations with Symphony management for a new contract. Having operated without a long-term agreement since November 2024, discussions have focused on several key areas, including compensation, organizational leadership, programming, and the financial health of the institution.
Compensation Equity
Pandemic Pay Cuts
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SFS musicians accepted pay reductions to support the organization. As of September 2025, these salaries have not been fully restored to pre-pandemic levels.
Peer Orchestra Comparison
SFS musicians are the only group among our peers whose pay has not been fully reinstated after the pandemic. The LA Philharmonic, for instance, restored compensation in 2022. Many of these orchestras have gone on to ratify contracts with significant raises. Refer to the following chart that tracks peer orchestra wage changes, by percentage, since 2017. Swipe to see a graph illustrating salary increases in contracts of other orchestras ratified since 2024.
Management Compensation
In contrast, Symphony management has fully restored their salaries to pre-pandemic levels and increased administrative spending.
Organizational Leadership & Programming
Music Director Vacancy
Following the departure of Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen in March 2024, who cited the board’s unwillingness to support his artistic vision, the Symphony has yet to announce a successor.
Programming, Touring, and Fundraising
There is currently no announced plan to resume touring or restore previously reduced programming, both of which are vital for the Symphony’s outreach and revenue. The board has also declined to announce future plans for initiatives increasing fundraising and philanthropy.
As a result of these developments, promising young musicians have begun to leave the orchestra and seek opportunities at our peer institutions.
Financial Health
Management's Deficit Claims
Initially, Symphony management reported a 10-year deficit of $116 million. However, this figure didn’t account for growth in restricted net assets or COVID-19 relief funding. They later updated their calculations to suggest a deficit of $46 million over 15 years. Symphony management's claims of financial distress have been greatly exaggerated and should not be taken at face value.
Symphony Net Assets Growth
Despite reported deficits, the Symphony's net assets have grown by $135 million over the same 10-year period, totaling $404.5 million, according to publicly available audit information. Refer to the graph below tracking SFS net assets and musicians' salary since 2017.
The Musicians' Position
The musicians of the San Francisco Symphony are asking for the following:
Fair Compensation: Restoration of salaries to levels promised in the 2018 contract, adjusted for inflation, to remain competitive with peer institutions.
Artistic Leadership: Appointment of a world-class music director with full board support for their artistic vision.
Program Restoration: Reinstatement of previously cut programming and touring.
Financial Transparency & Fundraising: A commitment from the board to proactive fundraising efforts and transparent financial practices to ensure the Symphony’s sustainability.