Some relatively upbeat news on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra strike front: After a break—and after a letter earlier this week from the musicians to the CSO Board of Trustees—negotiations between management and the orchestra were set to resume Friday.
Among the points made by the musicians in their letter, including issues of “mission and funding drift,” was this: “Let us be clear, this is not just about us. With many of the musicians already vested, our concern is truly about the future of the Orchestra—its ability to retain and attract great talent—a concern shared by Maestro Muti, Daniel Barenboim, and many of the world’s other finest orchestras and leaders.” Fans who want to offer support can sign a petition and/or make a donation to the musicians by going to their website.
All official events at Symphony Center have been cancelled through April 9, but the musicians’ series of free public concerts at other locations continues. You can catch a lunchtime chamber performance at noon today (April 5) at the Chicago Temple, 77 West Washington. Click here for a reservation.
And at 7:30 PM, Monday, April 15, the entire orchestra will play a free concert at the Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, a venue they’ve played twice before. A Mozart violin concerto featuring concertmaster Robert Chen is on the program, along with works by Rossini and Brahms; Jay Friedman will conduct. Reservations required; they can be made here. v