San Francisco Opera reaches a tentative agreement with Orchestra
The Bay Area’s weekly roundup of arts, culture, and community | September 18 to 24, 2026
Yesterday it was announced that a tentative agreement has been reached between San Francisco Opera (an Encore publishing partner) and their Orchestra. Simon Boccanegra will open the season on September 22. This weekend’s performances are still canceled, due to the time needed for rehearsal and preparation.
“We are heartened to have reached a tentative deal that provides a fair contract and stability for the members of the orchestra,” said SF Opera Orchestra Associate Principal Oboist and Chair of the Orchestra Negotiating Committee Gabe Young. “We are grateful to Mayor Lurie and his team, who put in long hours over the past several days to help broker this agreement, and we want to thank the public and Opera patrons for their patience and support through what has been a challenging process for our musicians. We look forward to working together to build on the progress being made at the San Francisco Opera, and we cannot wait to return to the pit to begin this new season and perform once again for the company we love.”
On September 12, SF Opera announced that their first performance of the season and an Opera in the Park concert would be cancelled due to the San Francisco Opera Orchestra calling a strike. Later in the week, additional cancellations of Simon Boccanegra and Mary, Queen of Scots were announced as negotiations continued.
The previous Orchestra agreement expired on July 31, 2026 and the main contention had been over a proposed five-year wage freeze for the musicians. As SF Opera worries about the strain of a compensation structure that originated 45 years ago, the members of the Orchestra fear rising living costs in San Francisco, especially as the AI boom continues to take over the city. As the Opera and Orchestra continue to find a way forward that works for both parties, we are all reminded of the position this art form fills in the lives of not only its audiences, but its artists and administration as well. — Ciara
On the Stage
SF Symphony Musicians and Garrick Ohlsson
Classical | San Francisco Symphony
September 20 | Tickets
Experience intimate chamber music programs curated and performed by small ensembles of SF Symphony musicians.
More Events
- The Cook | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – October 11 | View Program
- The Machaut Project | Chanticleer | September 19–20
- Simon Boccanegra | San Francisco Opera | September 22–27 | View Print Program
- North by Northwest | American Conservatory Theater | September 22 – October 18 | View Program
Next Line
- We’ve got a message for you directly from Jimmy Smits about why your support on Measure Y truly matters for Berkeley arts.
- Check out who will be taking the stage in Berkeley Rep’s upcoming Liberation.
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