Symphony Exploratory Committee reaches deal with musicians

The Symphony Exploratory Committee, which seeks to launch a new symphony orchestra in Honolulu following the liquidation of the Honolulu Symphony, announced on April 12 that it has reached a three-year agreement with the musicians of the defunct orchestra.

The nonprofit group is now developing plans for its 2011-2012 season scheduled to begin this fall, according to a prepared statement. A total of 64 musicians will play in the yet unnamed orchestra during each of the three years, with employment lasting for 30 weeks per season. Wages are set at $30,000 for the first two seasons and increases to $31,250 for the third season, according to the statement.

The Symphony Exploratory Committee’s members include Mona Abadir, CEO of Honu Group; Vicky Cayetano, CEO of United Laundry Services Inc.; Mitch D’Olier, president of Kaneohe Ranch Co.; Barron Guss, president of ALTRES Corp.; Paul Kosasa, president of ABC Stores; Gabe Lee, executive vice president of American Savings Bank; Mark Polivka, president of Monarch Insurance; attorney Ken Robbins; and Oswald Stender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee. The group recently purchased all of the former Honolulu Symphony’s assets.