Symphony musicians to tour Far East despite contract dispute

By Brent Begin, Bay City News

January 27, 2006, 12:05 p.m.

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- San Francisco Symphony musicians and management announced today they would set aside their contract dispute and continue plans for an upcoming tour in the Far East.

Negotiators for the musicians said they are happy with the progress made in the last week, but concerns about a new contract remain.

Musicians who have been working without a contract since Nov. 26 staged a "press concert'' in the City Hall rotunda on Monday to explain their hopes for higher wages and better benefits. On Tuesday, they visited area businesses to garner support from shop owners and customers. With the tour dates looming, the musicians threatened to stay home if they could not reach a new agreement.

The Far East tour is scheduled for Feb. 6-14 and will mark the first time the San Francisco Symphony has ever performed in mainland China.

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