CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Musicians with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra are getting a big pay raise.
The Charlotte Symphony and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 342, announced a new three-year agreement has been reached to keep the orchestra together. The new contract will give musicians a 13.5% pay raise over the next three years. The new deal also raises the minimum salaries for performers from just under $46,000 to a little over $53,000.
The contract takes effect Sept. 1, running through Aug. 31, 2027.
Kwamé Ryan, who joined the organization in 2023, is entering his first season as the orchestra's musical director. Born in Canada and raised in Trinidad, Ryan found his passion for music when he was just 9 years old. He's the first Black music director for the Charlotte Symphony.
“I really love this city. I love this orchestra,” Ryan told WCNC Charlotte in April.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's new season starts next month.