I was invited to a piano recital at Orchestra Hall next Friday but it has been cancelled. The symphony is on strike and no one is crossing the picket line. In fact, supporters of the CSO have been showing up every day on Michigan Avenue to express their love.
In the meantime, the musicians have gone into the neighborhoods. They are performing all over the city to adoring audiences who have probably never been able to afford a ticket.
My friend Gerry, who is an expert on the history of the orchestra and tells some great stories about it, says this: "there were some huge struggles and some courageous leaders that brought this group together. They are the toughest you'll find anywhere."
An orchestra is the perfect expression of the power of collaboration. I hope the strike gets settled soon. . . and the solidarity of the musicians and the city pays off.
P.S. Just heard this today: New York musicians are playing in support of the CSO strike.
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