Strikebound Detroit Symphony Cancels Concerts

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has canceled all concerts through Nov. 7, citing a strike by musicians protesting sharp cuts in pay.

The orchestra said in a statement Wednesday that the cancellation includes a scheduled series of performances of Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony.

The Nov. 5-7 performances were to have featured conductor Joana Carneiro and guitarist Xuefei Yang.

Picketing by striking musicians began Oct. 4. Management implemented a 33 percent base pay cut for orchestra veterans in the first year of the new contract.

Musicians had offered a 22 percent reduction.

Photo: AP Photo
DSO member Karl Pituch plays his French horn as he serenades fellow members walking a picket line in Detroit.

Violinist Sarah Chang canceled a Monday recital after the symphony said she got criticism and intimidating e-mail.