Symphony strike continues, benefit concert planned

As of today, there's good news and "meh" news as far as the Spokane Symphony strike goes.

The not-so-great news: as of today, Annie Matlow, Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Symphony, says that the Board has heard nothing but silence from musicians since the strike began earlier this month.

"We have heard nothing from them," she says in an email to The Inlander. "We have been waiting ready to talk but we have heard nothing since they walked away from the negotiations on Nov. 2."

In a press release from the Professional Musicians of the Inland Northwest, the musicians expressed distress over the Symphony's decision to cancel concerts. "The Musicians are disappointed by the cancellation of these upcoming concerts, particularly on behalf of our patrons, but also because we were looking forward to making the music," says Adam Wallstein, a representative for the musicians, in the press release. "All the Society would have to do is offer us a reasonable olive branch and the musicians would be back at the table at the drop of a hat."

But despite the strike and negotiations at a standstill, there's a little good news, too. The Symphony musicians will perform a benefit concert featuring the works of Mozart, Verdi and Beethoven on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7 pm in the Shadle Park High School Auditorium. Donations of $10 ($5 for students and seniors) are encouraged, and will be used to provide financial assistance for the musicians, "as well as to help continue health insurance during the strike," according to the press release. A town hall meeting with the musicians will take place after the concert.