Lockout of St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Musicians Begins

A lockout of musicians is now under way at the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, which has canceled its concerts through Nov. 4.

SPCO President and Chair Dobson West announced the lockout in a statement posted on the orchestra's web site Sunday.

Dobson says the SPCO faces major financial challenges and has had to make difficult choices like many orchestras across the country. He says salary concessions from the musicians must be part of the solution.

Ticket holders for canceled concerts will be receiving emails about their options, including exchanges and refunds.

The move means both major orchestras in the Twin Cities are now locked out. The Minnesota Orchestra canceled its first six weeks of concerts Oct. 1 after the two sides failed to reach agreement.

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