A report in Sunday’s (9/8) Indianapolis Business Journal states, “Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on Saturday canceled the first two weeks of its new season, saying even a temporary extension of musicians’ just-expired contract would intensify the organization’s financial woes. ‘The gap between what the musicians’ union is proposing and what is essential to economically sustain the ISO’s future is just too great,’ the symphony said in a prepared statement. Shows scheduled for Sept. 14-15 and Sept. 21-23 were canceled, and officials said more performances could get the ax if an agreement is not reached soon. Musicians’ previous contract expired Sept. 2. … ISO had said it would cancel performances if a deal was not struck by Friday, but union officials proposed a two-month extension of the previous contract—along with a 17-percent salary concession—to keep the season intact. Symphony leaders said an extension ‘would only exacerbate the ISO’s already difficult financial challenges.’ Musicians were ‘stunned and saddened’ by the organization’s harsh stance, chief union negotiator Richard Graef said in a prepared statement.”
Posted September 10, 2012
