“Musicians in the Minnesota Orchestra will take a 25% pay cut under a new two-year contract extension,” writes Jenna Ross in Monday’s (9/23) Star Tribune (Minneapolis). “The nonprofit’s board and the members of the Twin Cities Musicians’ Union also approved an amendment outlining work rules and cuts to compensation during the pandemic…. The ratified contract, which runs through August 2022, maintains the musicians’ current medical and dental benefits and expands sick leave…. In June, the orchestra and its musicians announced they’d taken a temporary, 20% pay cut. Music Director Osmo Vänskä, who agreed in June to temporarily reduce his salary by 30%, has committed to taking a 35% cut…. The orchestra is planning to perform its fall season for an empty hall, broadcasting Friday night concerts starting Oct. 2 on Classical MPR and Twin Cities Public Television.” Board chair Margaret Bracken said, “Our staff and musician negotiators have come up with a common-sense approach … that acknowledges the uncertain time period we are living through.” Timothy Zavadil, chair of the musicians’ negotiating committee, said the agreement “will provide the flexibility we need to keep the organization healthy for the long term.”