A Bad Day for Classical Music

On September 30:

• Pittsburgh Symphony musicians went on strike
• Philadelphia Orchestra musicians went on strike
• There was a devastating fire at First Congregational Church in Berkeley, where New Center Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Baroque, American Bach Soloists, Cal Bach, and other organization perform. Cal Performances and the SF Early Music Society present at First Congo as well. Here's film showing the office building on fire. Here are photos of the church; the sanctuary and organ have survived, but the extent of the damage is not yet known.

Update: The Philly strike didn't last long. The musicians and orchestra settled within 48 hours. The musicians are still not very happy - they took a 15% pay cut as a result of the bankruptcy and it will be years before that is made up - but there's a contract.