The cancelation of Orchestra Nova's concerts seems punitive because the musicians didn't completely capitulate to grandiose demands. It is my understanding that the musicians not only agreed to play but were enthusiastic about it. Using the Chicago Symphony as an excuse because of the remote possibility of a strike is just plain silly. If the musicians didn't show up you would have to refund tickets. By canceling the concerts what do you have to do? Refund tickets. Where's the liability?

Pak wants godlike power to hire and fire at will for any reason. That is, as it should be, a dead issue from the get-go. It is doubtful if you could field an orchestra that way and even if you could, it would certainly not reach the calibre of what you already have. Who wants to listen to a "pickup" orchestra for every concert? Only by playing together does the ensemble improve. That is simple logic. Musicians have fought for years to stop such dictatorial policies. Contracts are negotiated not to the complete benefit of management but for the protection of the musicians as well. It is called compromise and is the standard for every contract with every orchestra.

Freelance music is difficult at best with little stability. If someone is offered a lucrative job that pays substantially more, then the option should be there to take the higher paying job. That is the way the profession works in every major city. How can Pak expect loyalty to him yet provide no loyalty to the musicians. The best prescription for excellence is to provide a living wage and provide job security. Orchestra Nova does neither.