Carnegie Hall stagehands on strike, opening night cancelled

A union strike forced Carnegie Hall to cancel its Wednesday season-opening concert, which was slated to include violinist Joshua Bell, the Philadelphia Orchestra and bassist Esperanza Spalding.

In a statement, Carnegie Hall said the stagehands’ union, Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, was seeking jurisdiction over the venue’s new Education Wing, which could limit the work performed in the new space and jeopardize funding of the educational programs. The new wing is slated to open in fall 2014. [WSJ]

First the NYC Opera just flat out folds (right after the government shuts down), and now this! It’s not a good time for fancy show going.

Carnegie Hall cancellation statement below..

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CANCELLED:

This concert has regrettably been cancelled due to a strike by Carnegie Hall’s stagehands, represented by IATSE / Local One (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees).

Carnegie Hall has been engaged in talks with its stagehands for some time, working toward a new contract. Our disagreement has been centered on future operations of our new Education Wing and issues related to union jurisdiction within these facilities, created within the building’s upper floors to house Carnegie Hall’s expanding music education and community programs.

Patrons who purchased tickets for this performance with a credit card will receive automatic refunds. Those who purchased tickets with cash should call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800.

The scheduled Opening Night Gala dinner, benefiting Carnegie Hall’s artistic and educational programs, will still take place for gala patrons at The Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Ballroom, beginning at 6 PM.

Please note that all future performances currently remain on Carnegie Hall’s schedule, pending resolution of this work stoppage.

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