The Times Union is reporting the management of the Albany Symphony Orchestra and the Albany Musicians' Association, the union representing the orchestra's players, have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract. The collective-bargaining agreement ratified by the members July 22, gives musicians increases in pay rates for rehearsals and concerts, per diems, mileage reimbursement and the guaranteed number of rehearsals and concerts in a season. The agreement also stipulates changes in required rehearsal and concert conditions that will "support artistic quality," according to an announcement from the ASO. And in a first for an ASO contract, the new agreement formally addresses education and community-engagement activities orchestra members have long participated in, as well as an addendum that affirms a commitment to the "importance of diversity, equity and inclusion." Read the full story in the Times Union.