Cal Phil Admits it Owes Musicians in Statement

In response to charges it has not paid its musicians for three sets of summer concerts, the California Philharmonic issued a written “response” today which admitted the debt but did little to clarify its financial situation or ease concerns.

The accusations against the California Philharmonic surfaced last week in the Los Angeles Times which said Professional Musicians Local 47 had filed a complaint against the orchestra’s management with the National Labor Relations Board in August.

The statement today said the “Cal Phil is experiencing some temporary financial hardships” and pointed to the move from the Los Angeles County Arboretum to the new Santa Anita Racetrack venue as the reason for the strain.

That move was not not initiated by the Cal Phil, but by the Arboretum, whose management also told the Times that it is owed money by the orchestra as well.

In today’s statement, the California Philharmonic claims it “met with the leadership of the musicians union and amicably put a payment plan in place.” However, a union representative is reported to have said that a payment plan had been floated by the orchestra but that no agreement had been reached with the union.

Today’s release did not contain any comments from Victor Venner, the orchestra’s music director.

The release did however contain remarks from Francisco Castillo, California Philharmonic Orchestra Committee Chair, who said he is a musician of the orchestra.

“We are hoping that the economy turns around and that the Cal Phil will continue to do everything possible to follow through with their commitment to the musicians, the community and all our supporters,” Castillo wrote.

Castillo also said “in the organization’s defense, Cal Phil has been making payments to the musicians and others as funds have become available.”