Florida Grand Opera orchestra musicians vacated the orchestra pit as an act of solidarity at performances of La Boheme at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on May 8 and 10, in protest of the Opera's refusal to recognize them as employees of the Opera company. After their usual pre-performance warm-ups, the orchestra quietly removed their instruments and left the pit en masse, while CEO and General Director Robert Heuer made his pre-performance speech from the stage overlooking the empty pit.

Heuer announced the productions which will be presented during the 2008-2009 season, and requested the audience to renew their subscriptions for next year.  Recent decisions by the Opera to refuse to recognize the musicians as employees and to engage a different orchestra contractor for next season mean that most of the current musicians will not be a part of the 2008-2009 orchestra.  Their peaceful protest was carried out in order to attract the attention of the audience, most of whom have no idea that the opera's decision to bring in brand-new individual musicians for next season will affect the quality of the orchestra, which had been a solidly established ensemble during the past 7 years.

While the orchestra was waiting in the corridor for Heuer's speech to end, one employee of the opera was heard to say into her radio, "Yes, it seems that the orchestra is in the hallway again...."

The musicians returned to the pit after the conclusion of Heuer's speech to play both performances.

Dear Fellow Musicians, This is a copy of the letter I sent to Robert Heuer. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I want all of this to work out for you. Much Love & Respect, Mark Spencer, Harpist.

May 20, 2008

Dear Mr. Heuer,

I am writing on behalf of the current Orchestra members for the Florida Grand Opera. I was the 2nd Harpist in the Florida Philharmonic for 3 years before it went “belly-up.”
I then moved to Chicago where I worked extensively with the area Orchestras & Inst. Ensembles.

Being a Professional Harpist, Organist, and Vocalist - who has performed extensively throughout the United States and Canada - I am horrified to think that the FGO Board would be so agreeable to “letting the Orchestra go.” Are you aware of the caliber of your Musicians? You have one of the most incredible ensembles I have ever had the pleasure to hear.

I was recently at a performance of La Boheme with concert Pianist Marc Stone - from Chicago. We both kept commenting on how “together & musical” the Orchestra was - also - the blend between the Vocalists and the Orch was fabulous!! I can honestly say that it was one of the finest productions of Boheme I have ever seen. This season I also attended Tosca, and Samson & Delilah. There is not one negative thing I can say about the FGO productions - and especially about the Orchestra.

I’m sure you have already come to the same conclusion as the rest of the South Florida community when I say that the “Critics” (and I use the term very loosely) representing the local papers - especially the Miami Herald - leave so much to be desired - and - rarely to never have anything positive to say about Productions or Artists that come through the Miami PAC. I certainly hope that no-one has paid any attention to the ridiculousness of the paper’s reviews. We are always blessed with FGO’s artistry.

At the risk of sounding as though I am telling you how to do your job - PLEASE take a moment and consider how good you have it where your Orchestra is concerned. The South Florida Community has benefitted so much from FGO and so many other Fine Arts Organizations. It would be horrible for yet another tragedy to hit our musicians.

I have enclosed a copy of my resume and most recent album (recorded July, 2007, with my Brother) so that you can see I’m really who I say I am.
Most Respectfully

Mark Spencer

Mark Spencer - 22 May, 2008 - 12:59:35

I wish to mirror the comments of Mark Spencer. I am a long time season ticket holder to the FGO. It is difficult for me to single out any particular opera- they are all quite wonderful! Of course, the orchestra adds immensely to the total impression. Why would any rational person change what is seemingly working so well? I urge you to remain with the current contractor and enfold the orchestra members into all artists involved in the opera company.
The above comments are directed to Robert Heurer, General Director & CEO, FGO

Sincerely, Maxine Makas

Maxine Makas - 25 May, 2008 - 18:57:26

The orchestra's performance of "La Traviata" on December 4th was good, but not great. I'm going to miss the wonderful musicians I've been hearing for the last four years.

KC - 05 December, 2008 - 01:19:37