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17h ago

San Francisco Opera and Orchestra Reach Tentative Four‑Year Deal, End Strike

The tentative contract, brokered with city mediators, ends the week‑long walkout while awaiting ratification and rehearsal work before the season can fully restart.

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Demonstrators march outside the War Memorial Opera House in support of better wages for San Francisco Opera musicians on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. San Francisco Opera musicians announced a strike shortly before their planned performance.
San Francisco Opera musician Victor Avdienko stands with a sign outside the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. San Francisco Opera and its orchestra musicians have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, ending a strike that began Sept. 12. The walkout forced the cancellation of the season opener, Opera in the Park and three additional performances.
Demonstrators march outside the War Memorial Opera House in support of better wages for San Francisco Opera musicians on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. San Francisco Opera musicians announced a strike shortly before their planned performance.

Overview

  • The San Francisco Opera Orchestra began a strike on Sept. 12, forcing cancellation of opening night of Simon Boccanegra and the free Opera in the Park concert.
  • After city-led mediation, company leaders and musicians announced a tentative four-year contract covering Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2030 that halts the nearly week-long strike.
  • The agreement must be ratified by both sides and the Opera must complete rehearsals and logistical work before previously canceled weekend performances can be restored.
  • The dispute focused on pay and guaranteed weeks of work, with musicians saying management’s proposals would cut real compensation and the Opera citing a roughly $15 million annual structural deficit and large endowment draws.
  • Musicians kept public pressure during talks with pickets and outdoor performances, and city officials credited Mayor Daniel Lurie and arts staff with helping broker the tentative deal.