Update on Twin Cities orchestra labor disputes

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra musicians
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra musicians rallied Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, outside the Ordway Center in an attempt to forestall a feared lock out by the orchestra's management.
MPR photo/Euan Kerr

The holiday season is going to be a little less merry for music lovers. The Minnesota Orchestra and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra have cancelled all of their Thanksgiving and concerts through the end of the year and there are signs that the impasse could last for months.

In the meanwhile, locked out Minnesota Orchestra musicians are putting on their own concerts. They have sold out two upcoming performances at the University Minnesota.

Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Osmo Vanska broke his silence on the matter in mid-November, calling on management and musicians to resume talks. Vanska, credited with turning the Minnesota Orchestra into one of the world's top symphonies, says he fears the standoff will damage if not destroy the organization.

Reporter Euan Kerr has been closely following the contract disputes since the beginning. He joins the Daily Circuit to discuss the latest developments.

READ: MPR News primer on the Minnesota orchestra negotiations for all the background and latest facts.

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