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SPCO Musicians, Management Agree To Play & Talk

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the management have agreed to a play and talk proposal, the musicians announced Tuesday.

"We are excited to return to the stage as quickly as possible," said Carole Mason-Smith, the co-chair of the Musicians Negotiating Committee.

The proposal to play and talk will be taken to musicians for ratification after an agreement is made on media, Mason-Smith said.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman offered his thanks Tuesday night to both the musicians and the society, both of which, he said, worked tirelessly for an agreement for many months.

"I know there are major concessions that both the Society and the Musicians had to accept in order to reach this deal," the mayor said. "At the end of the day, this treasured institution is larger than any individual board member, musician, staff member, or Mayor. Today's agreement means that the world's best chamber orchestra - our Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra - will be enjoyed for generations to come."

Negotiations started with St. Paul Chamber Orchestra musicians in December 2011. The contract with musicians ran out in September of 2012, and on Oct. 21, 2012, the musicians were locked out.

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