Phyllis Brissenden, a founding supporter and Life Board Member of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), left the Company a record-shattering gift in the wake of her death. Brissenden, who died on Dec. 17, 2019 at 86 years old, bestowed the company an endowment gift, estimated at $45 million. Phyllis Brissenden and OTSL general director Andrew JorgensenPhoto: SUZY GORMAN "This gift, the largest in Opera Theatre's history and one of the largest ever recorded for an American opera company, will offer OTSL a new level of financial stability as the company prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2025," the AGMA signatory company said in a press release. According to the press release, Brissenden’s gift will more than double OTSL’s en... Read More -->

In honor of Black History Month, the latest from HuffPost explores the unique set of challenges that face dancers of color. AGMA ballet dancers Miranda Silveira, member of San Francisco Ballet, and Olivia Boisson, of the New York City Ballet, are interviewed in the article. They share why diversity and representation in the Industry matters to not only those currently dancing professionally, but the young people dreaming of being on stage one day.  “Feeling represented in what you do for a living is crucial,” Silveira told HuffPost. From Silveira's Instagram Account Silveira grew up in Barcelona, Spain. She moved to Madrid at 14 to pursue ballet at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma. At just 16, she... Read More -->

Two of AGMA’s very own appear together on the stunning winter 2020 cover of Pointe Magazine. Catherine Hurlin, 24, and Aran Bell, 21, are both recently promoted soloists with American Ballet Theatre.  New York City-born Hurlin began her training at Scarsdale Ballet Studio and Westchester Dance Academy. She received a full scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. She attended American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) Summer Intensive as a National Training Scholar during the summers of 2010, 2011, and 2012. Hurlin joined ABT as an apprentice in December 2013 and the corps de ballet in June 2014.  She was promoted to Soloist in September 2018.  Bell was born in Maryland and wa... Read More -->

Flyers of American Airlines who find themselves flipping through its first and business class in-flight magazine this month will be able to get to know some of the top opera houses in America, all of which are AGMA signatory companies. The magazine, Celebrated Living, features Opera Philadelphia, Santa Fe Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis on page 40 of its January/February issue. Written in honor of Opera America’s 50th anniversary, the three-page spread includes quotes from David Devan, Philadelphia’s general director and president; Robert Meya, Santa Fe’s general director; and Andrew Jorgensen, Saint Louis’ general director. Following the publication, AGMA reached out to the opera houses for further thoughts. Opera Ph... Read More -->

Nedda Casei, who made history when she became AGMA’s first woman president, passed away on January 20, 2020. She was 87 years old. "Though I never had the pleasure to know Nedda personally, her legacy echoes through AGMA," said Raymond Menard, AGMA president. "Not only did she make history as AGMA's first woman president, but her strong commitment to the musical arts and dedication to our union made her one of our strongest supporters even in the years following her presidency. She was beloved by her colleagues and will be greatly missed. We will continue to honor her memory." AGMA file photo Casei’s decade-long tenure as AGMA president began in 1983 and concluded in 1993. During her time as president, she fought for ... Read More -->

AGMA encourages its members to avoid lapses in membership by submitting their dues by February 1. To do so, members can log into the MyAGMA portal and then head to their personal portal to pay their annual dues. Members can also call AGMA’s Membership Department at 212-265-3687. For members no longer seeking work within AGMA’s jurisdiction, there is an option to apply for Honorable Withdrawal. Please go to the AGMA website or contact AGMA’s Membership Department for details on this process. ... Read More -->

Alicia Cook is thrilled to join the team at AGMA as its Director of Communications. In her new role, Cook will be responsible for AGMA's overall communications strategy, including the magazine, branding, public relations, web presence, and social media, working collaboratively with many members of the AGMA community as well as the Board of Governors. “Alicia has established herself as a prolific writer and superb creative professional. She brings to this position a wealth of experience in elevating communication strategies. AGMA is experiencing a period of exciting growth and achievement. Alicia is the ideal choice to engage with our members and external community to enhance brand awareness and AGMA’s growing national reputation... Read More -->

CHICAGO—The members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus (CSC), represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract. The musicians of the CSC, members of the national AGMA Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the CSOA have voted to ratify the agreement, which is effective from September 2019 through September 2024. The five-year agreement includes improvements in working conditions for both parties and wage increases of 13.7% over the five years of the contract. Negotiations between the CSOA and the CSC, represented by AGMA, took place from September through November 2019 with the parties reaching a tentative agreeme... Read More -->