Locked out Minnesota Orchestra cancels concerts

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ? The Minnesota Orchestra has canceled its concerts through Nov. 25 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.

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

Management rejected musician proposals for arbitration and for allowing the musicians to play during negotiations. The musicians rejected a management offer that would've cut salaries an average of 34 percent, lowering the current annual average from $135,000 down to $89,000.

The musicians plan to rally outside Orchestra Hall at 1 p.m. Monday. They issued a statement renewing their call for an independent analysis of the orchestra's finances.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/locked-minnesota-orchestra-cancels-concerts-161842356.html

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