In Tuesday’s (2/4) Star Tribune (Minneapolis), Kristin Tillotson writes, “Battle scars from a 16-month labor lockout won’t magically disappear when Minnesota Orchestra musicians gather to rehearse this week at Orchestra Hall. They will no doubt make beautiful music together at homecoming concerts this weekend…. ‘The important thing is to turn the page and move forward,’ said Michael Henson, the orchestra president and CEO.” Henson had previously stated that he will take a 15 percent salary reduction to match that of the musicians. “Board chair Jon Campbell … is being replaced by former Allina CEO Gordon Sprenger, who with no baggage and a fresh perspective could steer the orchestra to a more collaborative future.… Tony Ross, who has led the cello section for 21 years and was a key player on the musicians’ negotiating committee, said the mood is ‘still tense.’ … Everyone seems to agree that two things are essential … a focus on common goals, and presenting a unified front to convey mutual trust and win back the community’s favor.… Sprenger said the orchestra sold more than $1 million in subscriptions last week.” Meanwhile, on Tuesday’s (2/4) MinnPost.com (Minneapolis), Pamela Espeland reports that the orchestra has launched a new logo and a redesigned website, and “has hit the ground running.”
Posted February 5, 2014
