Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians ratified a new five-year contract—ending the strike that began in late September.

The new contract, which runs through September 5, 2021, calls for a 10.5% salary concession in the first year of the contract. However, a generous contribution from an anonymous donor provides for additional compensation that brings the actual wage cut to 7.5%. There is a salary freeze in the second year; a 3.3% increase in the third year; a 2.0% increase in the fourth year; and restoration to the 2016 base salary in the fifth year of the contract.

On December 2 and December 4, as a special “thank you” to the community and to celebrate the orchestra’s return to the Heinz Hall stage, Manfred Honeck will conduct the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in two free performances