Orchestra deal unresolved

Philadelphia Orchestra officials and musicians agreed to extend a midnight Wednesday contract deadline until the end of the month after Mayor John Street called the two sides to City Hall.

Street urged the two sides to keep negotiating and pledged to speak with Gov. Ed Rendell about finding more public funding for the world-renowned group, a spokeswoman said.

Street argued that even a temporary halt in performances would harm businesses that rely on orchestra patrons and might also harm the orchestra itself.

Management has been seeking expense cuts and revenue-generating proposals totaling $1.8 million a year, including a possible reduction in the size of the orchestra. The musicians say they have proposed cost cuts and revenue enhancements, including more concerts, that would exceed that amount.

From Associated Press