Louisville Orchestra Management and Players Reach two-year Accord

By Henry C. Mayer

The Louisville Orchestra management and orchestra musicians recently negotiated a labor agreement covering the next two years' performances.

Mediator Henry Fogel said "I am thrilled at this achievement . . . incredible good will went into reaching this agreement."

Executive Director Gregg Gustafson told Louisville Music News: "I am pleased by the tremendous spirit and flexibility shown by all parties in coming to this agreement. These talks have been characterized throughout by mutual respect and regard. I particularly want to thank Henry Fogel for his instrumental role the last two days of negotiation."

The settlement for now of the dispute between the Orchestra's management and players is not all that has been happening with the LO. A recent study that the orchestra is responsible for inserting $15 million yearly in into the area economy.

Twelve new people have joined the board in less than a year: Stan Curtis; Phil McHugh; Gregory C. Postol, M.D.; Clarita Whitney, widow of the Louisville Orchestra's first conductor; Theodore Frith; Matthew Chalfant; Peter Foulds; Mrs. Lucy Shumaker; Michael Guenthner; Steve Levy; Ms. Gretchen Showalter; and Jerrold Perchik.

Their presence has been like a continuing injection of adrenaline. An example of their energy and commitment has been Stan Curtis, whose activities as the Orchestra's Vice President for Future Development include opening new doors to enlarge present and future audiences for LO concerts.

The "Pops" have a. new title and home. They will now be staged at the Palace Theatre and are to be known as the Louisville Palace Theater Pops Concerts. Five of these concerts will be especially aimed at children.

Next year's MasterWorks Concerts Program will be highlighted in the next issue of Louisville Music News. Orchestra Spokesperson Rose Logsdon said, "You can be sure these concerts will have something for everyone!"

A new conductor is being chosen. This person's name should be known by the next issue. In addition, the Louisville Orchestra will have an increased live presence at performances by the Kentucky Ballet.

In 1997, the LO will also celebrate two memorable anniversaries: 60 years of sterling performances and the golden jubilee of commissioning unforgettable new music.