Minnesota Orchestra cancels concerts through Nov. 25 as musicians lockout takes effect

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Orchestra has cancelled its concerts through Nov. 25 as a lockout of musicians takes effect.

The cancellations announced Monday affect 17 performances starting Oct. 18.

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 have cut salaries an average of 34 per cent, lowering the current annual average from $135,000 down to $89,000.

The musicians rallied outside Orchestra Hall Monday. They issued a statement renewing their call for an independent analysis of the orchestra’s finances.