The Cleveland Orchestra had been at loggerheads with management over a proposal to reduce salaries and increase workloads in the face of a $4 million yearly deficit. The proposal from management was for an immediate 5 percent pay cut, to be gradually clawed back in subsequent years. Instead a deal was struck whereby musicians will give additional concerts or rehearsals without further remuneration, and also contribute more to health insurance premiums.

Other orchestras in the USA are also struggling to make ends meet as the decline in donor and investment income since the beginning of the current financial crisis means that many are finding it difficult to meet their wages bill.

The Cleveland Orchestra is regularly rated one of the finest ensembles of its kind in the USA.