During last week’s negotiations the Association agreed that the Musicians were entitled to a more transparent view of orchestra finances. Instead of sharing the information the Musicians requested through the established negotiation process, yesterday the Association chose to use the media.

The Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra are saddened and confused by this attempt to negotiate the contract of a world-class orchestra through the media.

When Osmo Vänskä arrived in Minnesota, he challenged the Musicians to become one of the best orchestras in the world. We have answered that call. The Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra have brought international acclaim to the Twin Cities. Now the Association stands ready to penalize the Musicians for the achievement of world-wide recognition, breaking its promise to the community to safeguard a world-class orchestra.

The Musicians gave back $4.2 million in concessions and savings to the orchestra during the recession. Two years ago, we offered an additional $1.5 million in reductions that were rejected by the Association.

Please be aware that the information in this public relations tactic by the Association differs in many ways from the actual contract proposal that is being negotiated in private.

In the coming weeks the Musicians will continue to negotiate in good faith. We will strive for a contract that ensures that Minnesota retains a world-renowned orchestra that continues to attract the finest world-class musicians to serve its community.

In Minneapolis-St. Paul, greater Minnesota, at Carnegie Hall, and all over the world, people have noticed… We have played our part.