SF Opera and the American Federation of Musicians Local 6, the union representing the SF Opera Orchestra musicians, did not reach an agreement in time for last night’s Sept. 12 opening performance of Simon Boccanegra. As a result, the SF Opera Orchestra went on strike and picketed outside the War Memorial Opera House.
The strike announcement from the union came a half an hour before the curtain was to rise at 8 p.m. Until General Director Matthew Shilvock spoke from the stage at 7:52, the opening-night audience did not know what's happening. Shilvock, announcing the cancellation, told the audience that the company would be in touch about options to donate the value of their seats, hold the credit for a future performance or receive a full refund.
“You do not need to do that immediately,” Shilvock said. “We’ll also be in touch and keep you posted as we learn more about the orchestra strike.” At the time, thousands awaited word from the negotiations — War Memorial has a seating capacity of 3,000, plus hundreds of performers in the cast, chorus, and orchestra among stagehands, ushers, and security.
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