ISO makes final efforts to save shows

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is making their final efforts to save the first two concerts of the season.

The Symphony Society threatened to cancel those concerts last week.

The ISO musicians announced Friday that after negotiations to settle on a contract, they have proposed a two month contract extension to keep the music on the stage, according to a release.

The Symphony Society threatened to cancel the classical season opener on Sept. 14 and 15. The Krzysztof Urbanski and Pops season opener on Sept 21 through 23 with Jack Everly and Time for Three was also threatened if musicians did not agree to demands on Friday.

"This week, working with a mediator, the musicians and the society have made some progress," said Richard Graef, chairman of the ISO musicians negotiating committee. "This proposed two-month contract extension will keep the music on stage for the people of Indiana and allows for a period where we 'play and talk,' which has occurred in previous contract negotiations with the Society. It is unprecedented for the musicians to offer concessions during the 'play and talk' period."

The proposed contract extension says that musicians would play at a weekly rate of $1,250. This is 16.7 percent lover that their current weekly rate.

Concessions made by the ISO musicians in their contracts have saved the Society more than $7 million since 2003, according to officials.

Musicians have provided 15 dates to the Society between Sept. 13 and Nov. 8. so negotiations between both parties can continue.

Both the musicians and the Society agreed to withhold public comment on the negotiations this week. That period ended Friday at approximately 5:51 p.m.