Latest news with #SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A change in tenor: Springfield Symphony, union announce labor contract
SPRINGFIELD — Finally on the same page of music after years of labor strife, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Local 171 of the American Federation of Musicians have reached a new two-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract starts in the upcoming 2025-26 season and extends through the 2026-27 season, the union and the orchestra said in a joint statement Monday. The deal calls for a minimum of eight symphonic concerts and an education concert in the upcoming seasons. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is the largest Massachusetts symphony outside of Boston. The new contract for the 67-member orchestra does include pay increases over each of the two years. The union and management declined to specify the increase. The announcement this year had a different tone from the last contract negotiations. The orchestra and its union reached a two-year deal in 2023 only after three years of negotiations, complaints to the National Labor Relations Board and the intervention of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. The musicians also formed an independent orchestra, called the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, at one point. Paul Lambert came in as president and CEO of the orchestra in February of 2023, toward the end of protracted negotiations. He noted the change in tenor. 'We work together very closely,' Lambert said. 'We've worked hard to build trust. We've worked very hard to try and include everybody' Beth Welty, president of Local 171, said the agreement is a positive step. 'We look forward to continuing to work with Paul Lambert, the staff and the board toward the goal of expanding the orchestra's outreach and service to all of Western Massachusetts.' Lambert, in an interview, said that while the contract has called for a minimum of eight performances for a few years now, the orchestra typically does 10 to 12, depending on funding. 'We try all the time to find ways to bring in new audiences,' said Lambert, who formerly was an executive at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 'New, younger, diverse audiences.' Over the past two years, that's meant featuring the Latin jazz ensemble the Mambo Kings; 'Bugs Bunny at the Symphony'; annual MLK Jr. celebration concerts; and the Fearless Women Awards, honoring local women leaders in the community. 'Just be flexible,' Lambert said of the house ethos. The orchestra hosted its third Juneteenth concerts — concerts that are free to attend for the community. The orchestra played its second youth education concert of the last few years. And it hosted 2,000 fourth graders in March at Symphony Hall. 'Great fun for all concerned,' Lambert said. Two quintets — winds and brass — from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Forest Park Amphitheater in Springfield on Sept. 18 as part of the city's free concert and movie series. Lambert said he's grateful to the city and the Parks Department for reaching out. The concerts will be similar to ones the orchestra performed two years ago that The Big E. Musicians in the Springfield Symphony orchestra are part-time with the orchestra and paid according to the number of their performances. 'What do businesses hate?': Mass. employers navigating uncertainty and fear MGM Springfield reports gambling take for May Cannabis workers at Holistic Industries in Monson ask for vote that could end union Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Congressman Neal hosts Academy Day information session for youth seeking military careers
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Congressman Richard Neal hosted the 2025 Academy Day information session inside the Springfield Museums on Sunday. Season finale concert held at Springfield Symphony Orchestra Currently, the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies are in need of nominations. Academy Day helps interested students determine if a military service academy or a similar education path is something they want to pursue. In order to qualify, students learned that they must be involved in extracurricular activities while having a high SAT score and GPA. Congressman Neal said they're looking to nominate aspiring candidates to serve our country. 'These are individuals who generally aspire to military academies, maybe when they're 14 or 15 years old,' Neal said. 'The process is arduous, it's a family commitment that has to be made.' During the forum, Congressman Neal recognized four local students who were accepted to service academies this summer. Three of them are joining the military academy, with one going to the Navy academy and another going to the Merchant Marines. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Season finale concert held at Springfield Symphony Orchestra
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Saturday night marked the season finale for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Springfield educators and MGM staff rally for better wages and union rights The concert concluded with Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 7. This year's highlights featured a variety of cultural shows, including performances inspired by Asian and Latino cultures. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy eight different concerts throughout the season. 'This is going to close off our season, and we're very excited to thank everyone this year and close it off on a good note,' said Chiara Sinigaglia, Marketing Manager of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The following season kicks off next month, starting with their annual Juneteenth concert. Tickets are now available online. For more information, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
North Adams seeks artists to transform city crosswalks into public art
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of North Adams is calling on local artists to bring creativity to the streets. A new public initiative will transform eight downtown crosswalks into vibrant works of art and aims to continue beautifying the city while enhancing the downtown experience for both residents and visitors. Springfield Symphony Orchestra shines light on seven 'fearless women' Four artists with a strong connection to North Adams will be selected to create original designs for the crosswalks. The initiative is part of the city's ongoing efforts to integrate public art into everyday spaces. Selected artists will each receive a $2,000 stipend to cover supplies and their time, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their contributions. 'This project highlights the power of collaboration between artists, city leaders, and local organizations,' said a spokesperson from the Cultural District Committee. 'Public art brings people together and fosters a sense of identity and pride in our city.' Crosswalk Locations: Main Street & American Legion Drive Main Street & Eagle Street Main Street & Holden Street Holden Street & Center Street Eagle Street & Church Street Ashland Street & Main Street Center Street & Marshall Street Eagle Street & Center Street The city will prepare the crosswalks before painting, and artists will be assigned designated time slots to complete their work, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic. The city has issued an open call for submissions, with applications due by April 4. Interested artists must submit the following: A sample crosswalk design (.jpeg or .pdf) Contact information A statement detailing their connection to North Adams and interest in the project A link to a personal website or social media page (Optional) Once selected, artists will receive specific crosswalk dimensions and must submit final designs for approval by April 25. Artists interested in applying can submit their work here. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Springfield Symphony Orchestra shines light on seven ‘fearless women'
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As part of International Women's Month, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra shined a light on women who are making a significant difference in the lives of others. For the third year in a row, seven 'Fearless women' were recognized and brought on stage, during the orchestra's 'Eternal Echoes' concert. These women were chosen for their tireless efforts and contributions to the various organizations their part of. Each recognized under different categories such as advocacy, perseverance, authenticity, passion, and bravery. 'We have gotten to hear incredible stories and really just seen a real showcase of of passion for people who want to make this area that we're living in right now a better place,' said Springfield Symphony Orchestra Development & Marketing advisor, Heather Caisse-Roberts. Plaques and flowers were presented to each of the women as well tickets to the concert. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
