Report: PSO Musicians, Management Could Be Close To Deal To End Strike

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The sound of a lone saxophone filled the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, but that's the only music that could be heard.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was nowhere to be found since suspending their picket line Saturday morning.

"It's good to have the arts here in Pittsburgh," symphony-goer Lynn Coleman said.

That's what Pittsburgher's want. They want to see the symphony back on the job.

But it's been dark at Heinz Hall for almost two months now, since musicians went on strike over wages, health insurance costs and other issues.

"I hope they settle soon because I really feel it's a loss to Pittsburgh," symphony-goer Diana Dominick said.

Sources tell KDKA that the musicians and management of the PSO could be close to reaching a deal just in time for the holiday "POPS!" concerts, scheduled to begin on Dec. 9.

"If not, I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed and let down this Christmas season," Drew Kaska, who supports the symphony, said.

Businesses in the Cultural District, like Olive or Twist, say they've really noticed a drop in business during the strike.

"That would be disappointing, right around Christmas. People are already calling for next month for reservations with shows they're anticipating," the manager at Olive or Twist, Kelly Sell, said.

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"It's, to me, devastating. We have so much in Pittsburgh, so much to be thankful for, and it's definitely on top of the list," Dominick said.

The organization canceled all its orchestra concerts through Dec. 5. Musicians have been on strike since Sept. 30.