Across the country, symphony and chamber orchestra executives have cited flat ticket sales and slumping private support as they seek major pay concessions from musicians, who warn of a loss of talent and reputation. In Minneapolis, the Minnesota Orchestra has already cancelled concerts through Nov. 25 as negotiators argue over a proposal to trim the performers' average salary by $46,000 a year.

A similar standoff is under way across the Mississippi River at the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has canceled the first month of its season due to a labor impasse, and similar troubles are rumbling at orchestras in Richmond, Va., Jacksonville, Fla., and San Antonio, Texas.

"It breaks my heart," said Christal Steele, a violinist and assistant concertmaster in Indianapolis, where she and fellow musicians have gone without pay and benefits for almost a month. "This is my 40th season, and in that time I have seen nothing but this orchestra rise in quality and in stature. Now, in one fell swoop, they're trying to erase the last 30 years."