Locked out Minnesota Orchestra cancels concerts

Published 11:38 am Monday, October 1, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Orchestra has canceled its concerts through Nov. 24 as a lockout of musicians takes effect.

The cancellations announced Monday affect 17 performances starting Oct. 18. Ticketholders will be notified by phone and in writing about obtaining refunds or exchanging tickets for future performances.

Orchestra management and musicians failed to reach a new agreement Sunday before the old contract expired at midnight.

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Management rejected two proposals from musicians including one that called for arbitration and another that would have allowed the musicians to play during negotiations. The musicians unanimously rejected management’s final offer that would’ve cut salaries an average of 34 percent, from the current average of $135,000 to an average of $89,000.

The musicians plan to hold a rally outside Orchestra Hall at 1 p.m. Monday.