Alan Gordon, 70, Longtime (And Combative) Leader Of Singers’ And Dancers’ Union

“As the executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists, Mr. Gordon represented chorus members, soloists, dancers, choreographers and production personnel at major companies across the country, from the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet to the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet. Since many cultural institutions have been trying to curb their spending, he often used unorthodox tactics to fight for the interests of his members.”