RNO and AFM sign historic accord
On August 21, 2002, the RNO and Local 47, the Los Angeles chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding setting forth their joint position on what has become a sore spot in the international music community -- compliance with the terms of visas issued to foreign performing arts groups touring the United States. The action comes on the heels of a formal protest lodged by the AFM last month against a St. Petersburg-based Russian orchestra (see http://www.afm.org/ and http://www.promusic47.org for details).
Expressing professional solidarity on the issue, the Memorandum of Understanding states in part: "The RNO is committed to upholding INS rules applicable to visiting orchestras who are guests in the United States, and recognizes and endorses the spirit and intent of these rules to foster cultural exchange, understanding and dialogue. Local 47 is pleased to welcome the RNO to Southern California under such terms."
Pictured at the signing are President of Local 47 Hal Espinosa, Chief Executive of the RNO Sergei Markov, and RNO musicians Sergei Kornienko and Svetlana Paramonova.
Several cultural exchange initiatives are in the works between the RNO and California musicians - to include not just music-making but also possible sporting contests. Still to be determined is whether this will involve soccer, the sport of choice for RNO musicians, or basketball, as preferred by the Californians. Stay tuned!
Hires image (same as above).
Second hires image.
