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DSO: Slatkin Meets With Strikers

Leonard Slatkin, courtesy photo
Leonard Slatkin, courtesy photo

<p><em><a href="mailto:novshinsky@wdetfm.org">By Noah Ovshinsky, WDET </a></em></p> <p>Detroit Symphony Orchestra Music Director Leonard Slatkin met with striking musicians this week, for the first time since they walked off the job in October. </p> <p>Slatkin has remained largely silent since the strike began, which is not unusual in the industry. Music directors often stay on the sidelines as labor disputes play out.  Cellist and musicians' spokesman Hayden McKay says Slatkin is in an awkward position.</p> <p>"They're not really in the administrative side of things in a certain way and their not part of the union and so they feel can easily get people angry at them when there is no upside," McKay says. </p> <p>But with the two sides still deadlocked over proposed pay cuts and other contract changes, Slatkin has decided to take a slightly more active role.  According to McKay, the music director met with musicians this past Sunday to discuss the strike. McKay wouldn't go into specifics, but he says the meeting was an opportunity for the players to get their concerns heard.  </p> <p>"I think we would like him, as a person who has access to people we don't...in other words board members and staff members, would like him to be aware of what is really important to us. What's at stake for us in the current problems."</p> <p>What happens with Leonard Slatkin after the strike ends is an open question. It's unclear how long the work stoppage will last and what the orchestra will look like when the dispute is resolved. Experts say in all likelihood the conductor will be pursued by other orchestras. McKay agrees.</p> <p>"Leonard Slatkin is at the stage of his career, both in terms of how old he is and how well he's known and how highly he's regarded, he could basically pick and choose whatever he wants to do," McKay says.</p> <p>He says Slatkin chose to come to Detroit for a reason, that Slatkin likes the orchestra and the role it plays in the city. </p> <p>McKay says he hopes the strike hasn't changed that.</p>