Minnesota Orchestra finances detailed in new report

Another review of the Minnesota Orchestra's finances shows the ensemble in a precarious position.

A pay dispute between management and musicians has been dragging on for nearly a year. Orchestra managers locked out the players last October when negotiations broke down.

Management's latest contract offer asks musicians to take an average 25 percent pay cut.

The orchestra has cut all other parts of its budget except for musicians' pay, said Tony Knerr of the firm AKA/ Strategy, which conducted the review. The Minnesota Orchestra paid for the review.

"The strategic business plan, which the orchestra prepared and the board approved about two years ago, in November of 2011, is a sound one," said Knerr. "It's a thoughtful piece of work."

Musicians requested the financial review. But clarinetist and musicians' negotiator and clarinet player Tim Zavadil said it does not include the musicians' input.

"The entire thing is from the management's perspective," he said. "It's bought and paid for by the management, so of course it says what the management wants it to say."

Minnesota Orchestra President Michael Henson said management has been transparent with the players, and the review validates the orchestra's business plan.

This is the third financial review conducted in the last year.