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 -->

Last week the stage managers of Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) in Seattle, Washington voted unanimously to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).   The election was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  AGMA already represents the dancers at PNB and the production staff will constitute a separate bargaining unit. "We the Stage Managers of PNB are thrilled and proud to be officially represented by AGMA.  We thank Nora Heiber (AGMA Western Executive), Leonard Egert (AGMA National Executive Director), and Andrew H. Baker (Outside Counsel) for all of their hard work to help make this happen," stated the stage managers of Pacific Northwest Ballet.   “I welcome the production staff of PNB into... Read More -->

Last night, the dancers of Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) voted by an overwhelming majority to form a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).  The secret ballot vote took place at the NBT studios and was overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  On October 28th, AGMA requested that NBT voluntarily recognize the union as the exclusive bargaining representative for the dancers, upon verification of majority support.   NBT management refused to recognize the dancers’ union, however, and instead initiated an anti-union campaign, prompting AGMA to request the NLRB election. “For the past three weeks the dancers of NBT have been subjected to an aggressive anti-union campaign waged agains... Read More -->

With an overwhelming majority of support, the dancers of Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) have signed cards to form a union and join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).   In a letter to the management of NBT, the dancers stated “This is a decision made in the interest of longevity and artistic achievement for the company, mutually beneficial working relationships, and long-term health.  As dancers, the lifeblood of this organization, we hold ourselves and the company to a high standard and believe our decision will elevate the company to a nationally recognized institution.” “Nevada Ballet Theatre is a fantastic company of high-level dancers who have devoted their lives to this important art form,” said Len E... Read More -->