Striking Musicians Of The DSO Perform To Packed House

It wasn't Orchestra Hall, but it was pretty close. And, it was a packed house Sunday afternoon at Christ Church Cranbrook, where striking musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra put on a concert.

The program at the Bloomfield Hills sanctuary also included about a dozen members of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, who offered their support for the striking members. Cellist Hayden McKay -- with the DSO musician's union -- says the audience was very appreciative.

"I think there were some people from the church, some people obviously close to the orchestra - family members and all - but beyond that, I think we reach a wide swath of people who are used to hearing the orchestra in Orchestra Hall and who miss us and are hoping that something better will come out of this bad labor dispute," McKay told WWJ Newsradio 950.

Musicians have been on the picket line since Oct. 4. Management of the financially struggling orchestra implemented a 33% base pay cut in the first year of the new contract. Musicians had offered a 22% reduction.

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