"Musicians of the ASO have written a reasoned letter to their board, telling them that the ensemble is quickly gurgling down the drain. The musicians are being asked to take a 25 percent pay cut, on top of prior concessions, as the orch faces a $20 million deficit.
They report that many of their number are looking for other jobs, and that Atlanta can no longer attract the calibre of musicians it requires to remain a frontline contender.
At a recent ASO audition, only one-third of the usual number of candidates appeared, none of whom was qualified for even a temporary position. Numerous orchestra members are preparing for auditions elsewhere. Three have been invited to play with the New York Philharmonic this coming season, and may not return."
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