Not fair to musicians

The Spokane Symphony is a professional organization whose music has entertained, enhanced and enriched our lives for many years. It is disheartening to hear the Spokane Symphony Society is demanding a more than 13 percent salary cut for musicians, while advancing pay increases to administration, guest artists and conductors.

As musicians for over 40 years (not in the symphony), my wife and I know how difficult is it to make a living in music. Considering the time and expense it requires to become proficient enough to perform professionally, the pay is not commensurate with other kinds of work. Most people don’t think about the amount of money required to purchase and maintain the instruments you see musicians bring to the stage. Many of the instruments cost more than a new car, and some more than a house.

The present demand will make it impossible to keep and attract fine musicians to Spokane’s outstanding orchestra. I would urge the Symphony Society to reconsider their demands and return to the bargaining table.

Floyd Czoski

Spokane