Philadelphia Orchestra leaflets before performance

[April 15, 2011]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra concerned about a bankruptcy vote distributed leaflets to audience members before a concert to express their opposition to what they say would be a devastating blow to the famed ensemble's future.

The musicians walked into the audience and handed out the leaflets Thursday night. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the crowd applauded as they returned to the stage. The musicians waved their instruments in gratitude.

The orchestra's board is scheduled to vote Saturday whether to pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The board tells WPVI-TV its $31 million in revenue is $15 million less than its costs.

The orchestra's management is seeking givebacks including a 16 percent pay cut from the musicians as part of their ongoing contract negotiations.

[Associated Press]

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