Philly Orchestra Management Takes On Musicians On Website

Contract negotiations between orchestra musicians and managements usually take place behind closed doors, but the increasingly contentious talks currently ongoing in Philadelphia have apparently escalated into open warfare. This week, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s board chairman launched a new corner of the ensemble’s web site, entitled “Securing the Future,” which advertises itself to be an informational update on the negotiations while declaring that “it is our musicians’ turn to share responsibility.” Highlighted on the new site’s front page is a fiery declaration that “Our current trade agreement is a roadmap to extinction.”