Labor standoffs silence orchestras

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Orchestra was called the world’s greatest not long ago, welcome recognition for musicians based outside a top cultural center. Now its members are locked out of Orchestra Hall, stuck in the same kind of labor-management battle recently afflicting teachers and football referees.

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.