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Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Cancels Performances Through The End Of The Year

Bill Zeeble
/
KERA News
Members of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra picket following their announcement to go on strike Sept. 8.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has canceled concerts through the end of the year due to the ongoing musicians' strike.

Several rounds of cancelations have been made by the symphony since the musicians' union went on strike Sept. 8. Musicians called a strike after rejecting a final contract offer from symphony management. The musicians' union says the pay cuts proposed by management are too deep. Management says it can’t pay what the musicians are asking for, when the symphony is trying to close a deficit of $700,000.

The most recent meeting on Saturday between the FWSO and the musicians’ union did not change the current circumstances, according to a press release. Below is a statement from the Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra regarding the meeting:

Dates and programs for the canceled FWSOA concerts include:

  • Nov. 11-13: FWSO Pops Concerts – The Sounds of America
  • Nov. 18-20: FWSO Symphonic Concerts – Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3
  • Nov. 25-27: FWSO Pops Concerts – Home for the Holidays
  • Dec. 1: FWSO One-Night Special– Chris Botti, Trumpet
  • Dec. 2: FWSO One-Night Special – Handel’s Messiah
  • Dec. 22: FWSO Holiday Concert in Southlake – Sounds of the Season
  • Dec. 31: FWSO One-Night Special – New Year’s Eve: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

Community and educational performances in Mansfield and Stephenville are also canceled.
The symphony says if the strike ends before Dec. 31, some performances may be reinstated. The symphony will notify ticket holders for its performances about handling unused tickets. Patrons are encouraged to hold onto their tickets and wait for notification before calling the ticket office.

“We will continue to work in good faith to bring the music back to the community while ensuring the long term health and future of the orchestra,” according to a symphony press release. “We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of our loyal audiences and supporters as we navigate this complex and challenging situation.”

More information regarding the concert cancelations and ongoing strike is available atwww.fwsymphony.org.