Symphony cancels four additional concerts

The Spokane Symphony announced Wednesday that several more performances will be canceled as its musicians continue to strike.

Spokane Symphony Board President Peter Moye said in a news release that “we are dismayed that we have been forced into the position of canceling this much anticipated lineup of concert experiences.”

“As a local, independent nonprofit arts organization, our priority has been to pursue long-term sustainability and protect musician jobs,” Moye said. “While we worked very hard to reach an agreement, the union chose to strike rather than continue bargaining.”

The musicians, however, said they were willing to make deep concessions, including offering a nearly 7 percent pay cut, and that the symphony refused to budge.

The board said the economy is affecting ticket sales, forcing it to seek a 13.3 percent cut in musician pay.

The contract between the Spokane Symphony Society and the Local 105 of the American Federation of Musicians expired at the end of August, and negotiations had been ongoing since March.

Last Saturday’s SuperPops performance was canceled, and the musicians picketed outside the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox that night.

The symphony will put a credit on the account of ticket holders for the canceled concerts, and they do not need to contact the box office immediately. They can use the credit for a ticket to a future performance once the season has resumed, or they can use it toward another purchase.

Anyone who purchased a ticket can also exchange it for a later show, donate the ticket value to the symphony, receive a gift certificate or get a refund.

To do so, contact the box office at (509) 624-1200.