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Pittsburgh Symphony Strike Cancels Events Through Oct. 27

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has canceled all concerts through most of October due to a musician's strike.

The 99 musicians went on strike Friday over management's efforts to get them to take a 15-percent pay cut along with pension concessions and staffing cuts. Management says the orchestra faces more than $20 million in cumulative debt over the next five years — including a pension shortfall of at least $10 million — and could run out of money by late spring without the cutbacks.

The strike canceled last weekend's pops concerts featuring "The Music of John Williams," the composer of scores for "Jaws," ''Star Wars" and other blockbusters.

On Monday, management announced the strike will cancel all other shows through Oct. 27.

Ticket holders will be given refund and other options soon.

On Sunday, musicians and the administration reached a deal to end a three-day strike at the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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