Sept. 15--With time running out, Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians had their first rehearsals of the season with music director Riccardo Muti Tuesday morning and afternoon at Symphony Center.
Orchestra members agreed to rehearse for the scheduled weekend concerts despite the lack of a new contract to replace the previous collective bargaining agreement that had expired at midnight Sunday.
Meanwhile, contract negotiations continued on Tuesday, but no results, if there were any, were made public.
Unless a new labor agreement is in place and ratified by the musicians and board, the opening subscription concert under Muti's direction Thursday night could be jeopardized, along with a free CSO performance Friday at Millennium Park and Saturday's Symphony Ball fundraiser at Orchestra Hall.
Contract talks involve the Chicago Federation of Musicians and the CSO members negotiating committee, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. No strike threat has been issued.
CSO spokeswoman Rachelle Roe said she didn't expect to know anything further until Wednesday. Thus far all announcements pertaining to the negotiations have come in the form of tersely worded joint statements made to the media.
John von Rhein is a Tribune critic.
jvonrhein@tribpub.com
