The orchestra announced on social media that it was on going on strike "with heavy hearts."
"A strike is not something we take lightly, and we are deeply sorry to everyone who planned to spend this evening at the opera," the musicians said. "We have been clear throughout these negotiations that management's offers were insufficient, and that without a fair contract we would have no choice but to stop work. Management's insistence on cuts has left us no other option."
The opera announced its performance of Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra" at the War Memorial Opera House, opening its 104th Season, was canceled.
In a statement, the opera said that it faces a structural deficit of $15 million, despite strong sales and donations.
"San Francisco Opera is increasing revenues as much as possible, but expense reduction is also critical," management said. "The Opera Orchestra's compensation structure has become increasingly out of alignment with the volume of work available and we must make gradual adjustments to the structure so that it better reflects the needs of this time."
The orchestra, represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 6, said its last agreement, reached two years ago, expired July 31.
Opera management initially proposed a 26% pay cut, "which would have returned us to 2015 wages, and later 'improved' that offer to a 20% cut," the union said. "Their latest proposal was a five-year wage freeze, which, factoring in inflation, is equivalent to roughly a 20% cut over the life of the contract."
The union, citing public filings, said the general director's salary rose 72% between the 2022 and 2025 fiscal years, from $424,000 to $729,000.
"The San Francisco Opera is not a company in trouble," the union said.
It said six productions have sold out in the past three years and donations have increased by $8 million compared to last year.
"We are holding the line for a fair contract not only for our current musicians, but so that the company can attract and retain top talent for years to come," the union said.
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