Striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians will be hosting a series of free concerts around Chicago as their quest for higher pay and benefits continues.
Dubbed the “From the Heart of the Orchestra” series, the concerts will take place at various venues around the city, including the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters and PianoForte Studios.
One concert is scheduled for Friday and a second has been slated for Monday. The performances are free, but pre-registration is required.
As of Thursday, Friday’s concert was “sold out” but registration for Monday’s performance was still open.
The musicians have been on strike since March 11, one day after the contract between the musicians’ union and orchestra expired. Union members have since been picketing outside Orchestra Hall. The strike has led to numerous concerts cancellations at the venue.
The Chicago Federation of Musicians said that while competing orchestral associations have increased musician wages and benefits, CSO Musicians have seen their compensation, retirement and health benefits stagnate.
In its latest statement, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra said it “remains committed to reaching consensus on a new agreement that provides our exceptional musicians with a generous and sustainable compensation package.”
