Breaking: National Symphony Cancels Strike

That was quick. National Symphony musicians and Kennedy Center seem to have resolved their differences, at least temporarily, announcing, as of 3:30 p.m. today, that the season will open on September 28 after all. The Center announced this morning that the players had voted to strike and the opening cancelled.

Rather than attempting to craft a four-year agreement, they two sides have come up with an 18-month pact with wages increasing by 4% in year 1 and 4% in year 2, with negotiations to commence in early 2026 and base salary reaching $171, 879.