Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Cancels Concerts Through Nov. 18

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Amidst a musician strike, all Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts have been cancelled through Nov. 18.

The Musicians' Orchestra Committee calls the decision the result of management's refusal to negotiate.

"This is a decision made by Management, and Management alone," said Micah Howard, PSO bassist and Chair of the Musicians' Orchestra Committee.  "We are ready to negotiate an end to this dispute so the Musicians can be back on stage at Heinz Hall.  But Management has repeatedly declared that they are unwilling to compromise - that they won't even meet with us unless we accept the 'last, best, and final' contract demands they made a month ago."

Musicians with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Union walked off the job in September, after talks with a mediator broke down and management refused to budge on the best, last and final offer.

"These are Draconian cuts that would change this orchestra forever. This orchestra is known for its excellence, both here in Pittsburgh and worldwide. That is what is threatened here. That is what we are preserving. The musicians will not let this happen to this orchestra," said musician Micah Howard.

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