SPCO cancels concerts for 2012
Stuck in a labor dispute, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has canceled its concerts through the end of the year. The SPCO locked out its musicians on Oct. 21, and the musicians on Wednesday rejected management's latest offer. Musicians have said they are working on a new proposal.
MPR has a the full text of the email from Interim President Dobby West that explains the impasse.
The Pioneer Press sums up the dispute: Management asked for salary cuts and seeks to trim the number of performers after the organization posted a nearly $1 million deficit last year. The musicians say such cuts will tarnish the quality of the orchestra.
Ticket holders can get more information on the SPCO website.
The Star Tribune notes that the canceled dates include: Roberto Abbado conducting Haydn and Stravinsky, Nov. 15-17; Ruggero Allifranchini leading Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" Nov. 23-25 and Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, Dec. 6-9.
In Minneapolis, musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra rallied Thursday at Peavey Plaza, the Star Tribune reports. They have been locked out since Oct. 1, and management canceled concerts through Nov. 25.
