By Associated Press - Friday, May 31, 2019

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.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

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