MichiganRadio

Recital scheduled at Orchestra Hall despite DSO strike ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - The Detroit Symphony Orchestra had to cancel its first concerts of the season this weekend because its musicians are on strike. But there will be a performance at Orchestra Hall on Monday, just not with any of the DSO musicians.

The guest violinist who was scheduled to perform with the orchestra will instead play a recital at Orchestra Hall with a pianist from California.

Hayden McKay is a cellist with the DSO. He says he's very disappointed that management scheduled this recital.

"We would much rather management come back to the table and negotiate a contract with the musicians of the DSO in good faith, than try to pretend they can put on a season with no orchestra."

McKay says DSO musicians will picket the performance. The players are on strike after contract talks with management broke down late last month. In addition to work rule changes, management proposed a 33% pay cut for current players and a 42% pay cut for new hires. Musicians say the cuts are too steep and would hurt the quality of the orchestra.

Contact Jennifer Guerra at guerraj@umich.edu

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