The Fort  Worth Symphony Orchestra has cancelled another month’s worth of concerts, expressing regret for the decision but blaming the ongoing musicians’ strike which began on Sept. 9th.

The musicians’ union responded with a press release that noted its continued willingness to work out temporary arrangements with the Texas Ballet Theater, which will be bringing its production of Carmen and Danse A Grand Vitesse to Bass Hall Oct. 7-9th. It is also presenting a David Bowie tribute concert September 25th at the Shipping and Receiving Bar — in response to the FWSO’s cancellation of its ‘Music of David Bowie’ concert, originally scheduled for tomorrow night.

image from shutterstock.com

Here are both releases:

Continued Musicians’ Strike Causes Cancellation

Of FWSO Concerts Through November 6

FORT WORTH, TX – September 23, 2016 – As the strike initiated by the musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra continues into its third week, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Association is forced to cancel additional concerts through November 6, 2016.

Dates and programs for the canceled FWSOA concerts are as follows:

• October 14-16: FWSO Pops Concerts – The Beat Goes On: Music of the Baby Boomers
• October 29: FWSO Family Concert in Southlake – Halloween With Harry Potter
• November 4-6: FWSO Symphonic Concerts – Elgar’s Enigma Variations

Also affected are community and educational performances in Glen Rose, Waxahachie, Killeen, Lufkin, and Mesquite.

No future FWSOA concerts are affected at this time.

“Cancelling these performances was not an easy decision to make,” said FWSOA President and CEO Amy Adkins. “Unfortunately, the musicians show no signs of ending their strike. This was a difficult decision made after careful deliberation with the FWSOA Executive Committee, and was made to give our artists, regional presenters, venues, and vendors ample time to make alternative plans. Our biggest regret is that we are unable to provide our devoted patrons with the experience of live symphonic music.”

The FWSOA will notify ticket holders for its performances regarding options for handling unused tickets. Patrons are encouraged to hold onto their tickets and wait for notification before calling the ticket office. Additional information regarding the concert cancellations and ongoing strike is available at www.fwsymphony.org.

Fort Worth Symphony Management Cancels Concerts Through November 6
A Statement from the Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Management’s latest round of concert cancellations through November 6 shows a true disregard for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s role and responsibility in our city.

While we stand ready to return to the negotiation table and work for an agreement that moves the FWSO forward in a way that promotes growth, health and responsibility, management has irresponsibly canceled concerts for more than a month out. This sadly indicates a lack of concern for the wellbeing of the audiences we serve, many being children.

We will continue to reach out to these organizations affected by these cancellations and explore ways to bring symphonic music to the community.

In early September we worked with the Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) to ensure its season opened magnificently in the Winspear Opera House in Dallas with its production of Carmen and Danse A Grand Vitesse. Even though the FWSOA has decided to cancel all performances in October, we will continue to work with TBT and perform in this production as it brings it home to Bass Performance Hall on October 7 through 9

And this Sunday, September 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Shipping and Receiving Bar on 201 S. Calhoun Street in Fort Worth, we are presenting a David Bowie tribute party in response to the cancellation of the FWSO “Music of David Bowie” concert originally scheduled for tomorrow night. A $5 admission fee will be waived for anyone who has proof of ticket purchase to Saturday night’s canceled FWSO concert at Bass Performance Hall.