Arkansas Symphony musicians secure new contract

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Officials with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra said the organization and the ASO Players Association have reached a new three-year contract.

The agreement provides annual pay raises for musicians and aims to further strengthen Arkansas’ premier orchestra, officials said.

The announcement coincided with the launch of “Every Note, Every Neighbor,” the ASO Board’s annual fundraising campaign supporting Amplify: The ASO Annual Fund, which helps employ musicians and expand community access to orchestral music across Arkansas.

According to a spokesperson, the new contract outlines salary and benefit increases, travel reimbursements and additional employment opportunities through the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center and youth music education programs.

Flutist Gabriel Vega, president of the ASO Players Association, said the agreement aligns with the orchestra’s long-term goals of artistic excellence and community engagement.

CEO Christina Littlejohn said the agreement reflects shared priorities between musicians and management to sustain accessibility and growth for Arkansas audiences.

The ASO Board also announced plans to increase the annual fund by 5% per year or $328,000 over five years, while pursuing a $25 million endowment by 2035 to support professional musicians, youth education and accessible programming statewide.