A strong majority of the Boston-based artists of the Handel and Haydn Society (H+H) Chorus have signed cards to form a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
"These singers are making their voices heard, not just on stage, but in their workplace as well,” said Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director. “They are taking an important step toward ensuring a strong, collaborative future for their profession. We are proud to support their unionizing efforts.”
Founded in 1815, the Handel and Haydn Society has performed for 210 consecutive seasons, making it the longest-running arts organization in the United States. According to their website, H+H’s orchestra and chorus engage more than 76,000 listeners annually through performances at Symphony Hall, other prestigious venues, and radio broadcasts.
The organizing singers of H+H have submitted a letter to management, part of which reads: “Our choral union will build on H+H’s legacy of professional and musical excellence, to the benefit of our current and future artists, the organization as a whole, and the community we serve.”
The Grammy Award-winning Handel and Haydn Society is renowned for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. The chorus has been praised as “Boston’s best professional chorus” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer.
AGMA has formally notified H+H management of the singers' desire to unionize, expressing hope that the company will respect the artists' wishes and voluntarily recognize their union. Management has until Friday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET to respond.