MN Orchestra Members Call For Independent Financial Analysis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Orchestra musicians who have been locked out for more than two months now are calling for an independent financial analysis.

"We don't know what the true financial picture is of the organization," Minnesota Orchestra musician Tim Zavadil said. "We need to know, the public needs to know."

Musicians say the Minnesota Orchestra has the sixth largest endowment in the nation.

They say management is calling for cuts up to $5 million in the musicians' salaries.

The response comes following news reports that, according to the musicians, say shows the Minnesota Orchestra hid financial problems while seeking financial assistance from the state legislature, hoping not to negatively affect fundraising for construction on their new concert hall.