The contract, negotiated by the American Federation of Musicians Local 8 and the Skylight Opera Theatre, includes provisions for a total wage increase of 26 percent and improved job security. It is the first agreement between the company and the musicians, who voted to join the union in January 2003.

The agreement also contains a provision preventing the opera company from using recorded music or recorded-music devices instead of a live orchestra.

The union represents 25 Skylight Opera musicians. The company employs between one and 20 musicians for 80 performances per year.

The Skylight Opera Theatre was founded in 1959, and has a repertoire that includes Baroque opera, light opera, contemporary chamber operas, and Broadway musicals.