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3d ago

San Francisco Opera Orchestra Goes on Strike and Company Puts Season on Hold

The walkout follows a contract fight over pay and guaranteed work that management says is needed to close a $15 million annual deficit.

Logan Bryck, right, and Phillip Palmore of the French horn section of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra play for their supporters Sunday at the site of the canceled Opera in the Park in Golden Gate Park’s Robin Williams Meadow. Members of the San Francisco Opera went on strike Saturday evening to protest working without a contract after their previous one expired July 31.
Visitors and workers walk through Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park, where Opera in the Park was to be presented Sunday before the musicians strike canceled plans. 
Members of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra mingle with fans Sunday at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park, where Opera in the Park was to be presented until a musicians strike scuttled plans. 
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 has put its 2026-27 season on hold after orchestra musicians went on strike, leaving the company’s fall schedule uncertain as contract talks continue.

Overview

  • The Musicians of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra announced a strike on Saturday, Sept. 12, and the company canceled opening night of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra and the free Opera in the Park concert.
  • The dispute centers on compensation and guaranteed weeks of work after the union contract expired July 31, with musicians saying management first proposed large rollbacks and later a multi‑year wage freeze they say equals about a 20 percent cut.
  • Opera leadership says the pay-structure changes are needed because the company faces a roughly $15 million a year structural deficit and that the 24-week guarantee in the old contract exceeds the work it can provide.
  • Negotiations are continuing with city officials reported to be mediating, the company has posted that the 2026–27 season is on hold, and the Opera has offered ticketholders refunds, account credit, or donation options.
  • Musicians picketed and performed informally in Golden Gate Park, saying cuts would threaten their ability to live and work in San Francisco and could erode the company’s talent pool and community programs if not resolved.