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St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Plays The Fair, Looking For Support

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- Facing an uncertain future, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra played before a crowd at the AFL CIO building Tuesday.

The union musicians say their contract expires at the end of September and management is proposing salary cuts of up to 67 percent. Management said the cuts are needed because of a downturn in the economy.

Carole Mason Smith, one of the labor negotiators for the union, says they are launching an initiative to "Save SPCO."

"We need the community's help, writing letters or reaching out to management on the website." Mason-Smith said.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports

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She said if the cuts are implemented, it could mean the end of the orchestra as it currently stands.

"It would effectively turn this wonderful world class orchestra into a part-time revolving door," she said.

The St Paul Chamber Orchestra is 53 years old, and has performed around the world.

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