The South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Michiana Federation of Musicians, Local 232-278, are pleased to announce the successful ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to artistic excellence, organizational sustainability, and a collaborative working relationship that will support the Symphony’s continued growth and service to the Michiana community.
The newly ratified agreement establishes a framework for the next four seasons and includes updated protocols designed to support the evolving needs of both the organization and its musicians. Reached through a constructive and collegial bargaining process, the agreement reinforces the strong partnership between Symphony leadership and the musicians who bring exceptional performances to audiences throughout the region.
“This agreement builds on the recent growth of the South Bend Symphony. It reflects how much our musicians are valued,” said William Olsen, President of Local 232-278, and bass clarinetist of the South Bend Symphony. “Discussions were candid yet amicable. This helped us reach a very good agreement. We appreciate all the work the staff and Board of the Symphony have done on behalf of the musicians and on behalf of South Bend. We are very optimistic about the next four years.”
“We are grateful to the members of the musicians’ negotiating committee and the leadership from AFM Local 232-278 for their professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to South Bend Symphony’s Mission throughout this process,” said Steven Haines, Executive Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. “This agreement reflects our shared priorities of supporting and recognizing our musicians while positioning the South Bend Symphony for a period of artistic and strategic growth, and long-term success.”
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra remains committed to delivering exceptional artistic experiences, expanding community engagement, and building on its reputation as the region’s premier professional orchestra. With a new agreement in place through 2030, the Symphony and its musicians look forward to a bright future of collaboration, innovation, and musical excellence.
SUBSCRIPTIONS / TICKETS
Subscriptions
Discounts, priority seating, and other exclusive benefits are available to season subscribers. Subscribe at www.southbendsymphony.org or by phone at (574) 232-6343.
SINGLE TICKETS
Online: www.southbendsymphony.org
Phone: Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office (574) 235-9190
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Friday)
In-person: Visit the Morris Box Office (211 N. Michigan St., South Bend) during the times listed above or two hours before any performance.
To VIEW the 2026-27 Season schedule, visit www.southbendsymphony.org.
Dates, programs, and venues are subject to change.
For questions or media appearances, please contact Sarah Perschbacher at sperschbacher@southbendsymphony.org or (574) 230-4875.
###
About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The South Bend Symphony inspires, entertains, and connects the community with the transformative power of orchestral music. Producing more than 20 mainstage programs each year and nearly 70 smaller ensemble concerts, the Symphony serves more than 30,000 attendees annually. As the region’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, interconnected arts community in support of South Bend and the broader Michiana region.
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra has earned recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as Indiana Arts Commission and local arts funding organizations. It is also the recipient of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, which honors the best-run nonprofit organization in St. Joseph County, Indiana.