Quad Cities, IA/IL — The Quad City Symphony Orchestra Association (QCSOA) is proud to announce two landmark agreements that underscore the organization’s commitment to artistic excellence, stability, and community impact: a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the American Federation of Musicians, Local No. 137, and a six-year contract renewal with Music Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith.
Historic Four-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
The QCSOA and the American Federation of Musicians, Local No. 137, have reached an unprecedented four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. Previous agreements have traditionally been three years in length, making this extended term a significant milestone for the orchestra.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
- Annual pay increases totaling 16.30% over the term for all musicians.
- Increased expense reimbursements for musicians.
- Higher guaranteed service minimums offered annually to all musicians.
- Enhanced working conditions and updates to audition, probationary, and tenure processes.
“The musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra are proud to have ratified a new four-year contract. This agreement brings steady wage increases and enhancements to our working environment, supporting the artistry that we love to share with our audiences. We are grateful for the spirit of collaboration shown during these negotiations on the part of the QCSO Association and look forward to continuing to build on the Symphony’s tradition of artistic excellence,” said Steve Burian, Chair of the Musicians’ Committee
“This new agreement provides stability and sustainability for all and is the product of the daily hard work of collaboration that is core to QCSO’s culture and our impact on the Quad Cities community. I am deeply grateful for the partnership we have with the Musicians’ Committee and all of our wonderful musicians,” said Brian Baxter, QCSO Executive Director.
“I am very grateful to the QCSO Board and the QCSO’s incredible musicians for working together to secure this agreement. It will play a key role in our ability to plan and create great music together and will allow us to continue to serve our community to the best of our collective abilities. This agreement is fantastic news!” said Mark Russell Smith, QCSO Music Director & Conductor.
Six-Year Contract Renewal for Maestro Mark Russell Smith
The QCSO has also renewed its contract with Music Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith for another six-year term, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2032. This extension will follow his current six-year term, which concludes on June 30, 2026. At that time, Smith will become the second longest-tenured Music Director in QCSO history, surpassed only by the 29-year tenure of James Dixon.
Under Smith’s leadership, the QCSO has welcomed world-renowned guest artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Emanuel Ax, and many others. His enduring collaborations with the Augustana Oratorio Society and Choral Artists have produced acclaimed performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Verdi’s Requiem, and other major works. Smith has also championed innovative concert opera productions, including commissioning and premiering Jacob Bancks’ Karkinos, and presenting Michael Abels and Rhiannon Giddens’ Omar’s Journey.A passionate advocate for music education, Smith annually conducts the QCSO’s Side by Side Concert, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
“This new agreement reflects and continues to support Maestro Smith’s artistic vision for the QCSO, which is to engage and connect the Quad Cities community through exceptional live musical experiences delivered by our orchestra,” said Baxter.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this vote of confidence. Serving as the Music Director for the Quad Cities has been one of my life’s greatest privileges, and the close collaboration with our musicians has been a source of inspiration. We have something truly special, and I am both honored and challenged to continue our artistic momentum and find even more ways to serve our community.” said Smith.
Commitment to the Quad Cities
Both agreements reflect the QCSO’s dedication to fostering stability, sustainability, and artistic excellence, ensuring that the orchestra remains a vibrant cultural force in the Quad Cities for years to come.
The orchestra invites the public to celebrate this momentum by attending this week’s opening Masterworks concert weekend.
Masterworks I: Grieg Piano Concerto
The QCSO’s 111th season opens this weekend with Masterworks I: Grieg Piano Concerto, a program filled with vibrant energy and Romantic beauty.
Program Highlights:
- Tchaikovsky – Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
- Grieg – Piano Concerto in A minor, featuring acclaimed pianist Wei Luo
- Brahms – Symphony No. 2
Performance Dates & Venues:
- Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM – Adler Theatre, Davenport, IA
- Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM – Centennial Hall, Rock Island, IL
Tickets and more information are available at qcso.org/events