BALTIMORE (AP) - The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra says it’s eliminating this year’s summer programming.
The Washington Post reports that the orchestra cited $16 million in losses with Thursday’s announcement. Orchestra president and chief executive Peter Kjome also said the business model needs to change.
The orchestra’s musicians have been playing without a contract since September. Proposed cuts have been a major issue in stalled contract negotiations.
The situation epitomizes orchestral labor struggles across the nation. Musicians want a fair and regular salary for a highly skilled job. But demand for concerts is decreasing.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians recently staged a strike for nearly seven weeks over proposed changes to pension plans. The Minnesota Orchestra and Detroit Symphony Orchestra recently emerged from long and bitter labor disputes.
___
Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.