Photo Essay: Lyric Opera Musicians Rally

Speakers at the Lyric Opera Musicians Rally called for a new labor agreement.

By Georgia Hampton October 27, 2018 News

Susanna Mendoza, State of Illinois Comptroller, speaks to protestors as the Lyric Opera Brass and Friends look on. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
The Lyric Opera Brass and Friends perform between speakers. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Chicagoans gather in front of the Daley Center to support the Lyric Opera Musicians Rally. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Photograph by Georgia Hampton.
Photograph by Georgia Hampton.
The Lyric Opera management called for fewer work weeks and a smaller orchestra. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Paul Austin, President of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians and French Hornist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, speaks at the Lyric Opera Musicians Rally. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Chicago Federation of Labor Secretary-Treasurer Don Villar addresses the crowd of protestors. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Don Villar stands with Naomi Bensdorf-Frisch, who represented the Regional Orchestra Players Association. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
The crowd protesting with the Lyric Opera musicians included Chicagoans of all ages. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Conductor Mark Fisher leads the Lyric Opera Brass and Friends. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
A young boy at the Lyric Opera Musicians Rally holds a sign that reads: " Why should I become the best at what I do if it is not valued? – James 13 years old (9 years studying cello)." Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
In his speech, Ray Hair said "they think they're more important than us, but they can't do what we do." Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Protestors look on while Ray Hair closes out the rally. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
The Lyric Opera Musicians Rally included nine speakers, all calling for changes in musician contracts. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
"See brothers and sisters, the manager wouldn't even have a job if it weren't for us," said Ray Hair in his fiery speech to protestors. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
The Lyric Opera Brass and Friends watch as speakers addressed the crowd. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Tuba player Charlie Schuchat watches the speakers with his fellow musicians. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Ray Hair gave an impassioned final speech to protestors criticizing the management at the Lyric Opera and calling for change. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
After the rally ended, protestors spoke to and shook hands with Lyric Opera musicians. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Protestors line up to give out high-fives and hugs. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Protestors hug after the rally. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.