“Like a persistent virus, the economic downturn continues to infect musical organizations across the country. No immediate cure is in sight… The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s projected deficit for the current fiscal year has gone from $515,000, estimated last November, to $806,000 as of this month. Underlining the troubling financial picture is the fact that BSO management has unexpectedly opened up negotiations with the musicians, even though their contract, approved three years ago, doesn’t expire until 2005. Neither side will provide details of these discussions, but it’s clear that the orchestra is looking into every option, including possible financial concessions from the players, to stop the flow of red ink.”