The Omaha Symphony Musicians Organization and its union recently ratified a new three-year contract with the Omaha Symphony that includes annual raises of 5%, 8.5% and 3.25%.
It runs from July 1 through June 30, 2028.
It also includes a yearly $1,000 Electronic Media Guarantee, which will allow the orchestra to expand its television offerings and community outreach so more people can hear and see the symphony, said Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, the symphony's president and CEO.
Previous concerts have been broadcast on WOWT-TV in Omaha and Nebraska Public Media, as well as online.
"We're excited to make such a meaningful investment in our orchestra to make sure our musicians can continue to work here, live here and raise their families here, and continue to bring amazing talent to our city," she said.
In a press release, the organization said musicians have lost financial growth in recent years to cost-of-living increases. But the new contract, they said, adds a 39th week of performances that will help raise compensation and bring the base pay to $50,000 by 2028.
Members of the symphony belong to the American Federation of Musicians Local 70-558, and the union's negotiating committee worked with the Omaha Symphony Association on the contract.
Other highlights of the agreement include:
Standard compensation rates for a single rehearsal or performance, giving part-time and full-time musicians parity by year three.Increasing the core orchestra by two strings players, bringing the total to 44 musicians.Creating a new task force of musicians, management and board members to foster conversation about community outreach and orchestra growth through part-time to full-time conversions. Trans-Siberian Orchestra returning to Council Bluffs
The Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs will once again be the first stop on the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Winter Tour.
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The multiplatinum-selling orchestra will bring back its holiday show: "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More" with a special production that includes a 25th anniversary salute to "Beethoven's Last Night," the rock opera it released in 2000.
The group is known for its fusion of theater, rock and classical music with pyros, lasers and storytelling.
For the first time since 2019, the TSO Signing Line will return to each performance. That means every fan will have a chance to get one item signed by a member of the group for free.
The Council Bluffs concert, on Nov. 13, will launch a 64-city tour including 106 performances. It ends Dec. 30. A portion of proceeds from the first concert will benefit the Salvation Army of Council Bluffs.
Tickets are now on sale at ticketmaster.com.
New exhibit at South Omaha Museum
Photos of the Omaha Symphony in various programs and other situations make up a new exhibit at the South Omaha Museum of Immigrant History.
South Omaha-born photographer John Kubat took the photos through the late '70s, and he will be giving gallery talks throughout the exhibit, which begins today and ends Oct. 18.
An opening reception for the show is set for 1 p.m. and will feature a 2 p.m. cello concert by David Downing, a Venezuelan-American who has a background in world music.
A Mexican-style meal will be served at the event from South Omaha "enchilada queen" Becky Vera Minshall.
The concert and the meal have no cost, but a free-will offering will be taken.
The museum is at 1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 221.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2025