Overview
- Orchestra musicians called a strike just before the scheduled opening night of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra on Sept. 12, forcing the cancellation of that performance and the free Opera in the Park concert the next day.
- The San Francisco Opera and the American Federation of Musicians Local 6 announced a tentative four‑year contract Thursday that covers Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2030 and ends the nearly weeklong work stoppage.
- The specific financial terms of the agreement have not been made public and the contract still requires ratification by the orchestra before players return to the pit.
- The company has scheduled the 104th season to resume with Simon Boccanegra the week of Sept. 22 and has told affected ticketholders they may request refunds, apply credits to future performances, or donate the ticket value.
- The dispute grew from management’s push to change guaranteed weeks of work and pay structure because of reported budget shortfalls, and the deal negotiated with city help could shape staffing and scheduling decisions at the Opera going forward.