Minn. Orchestra to lay off 13 percent of staff

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Orchestra says it’s laying off 13 percent of its permanent staff to save money.

The orchestra announced Tuesday that it was eliminating nine full-time and seven part-time positions, though no musicians will be affected.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports that the move is aimed at reducing the $2.9 million deficit the orchestra announced last November. The staff reductions will save the orchestra about $450,000 a year.

The layoffs touch virtually every department, from finance and development to marketing and public relations. Orchestra officials say job duties will be reassigned to other staff members.

Orchestra officials say audience members won’t notice the reductions.