KENNEDY CENTER MUSICIANS ACCEPT NEW CONTRACT

At the Kennedy Center there's harmony again after striking orchestra musicians voted on Oct. 15 to accept a contract agreement.

In a surprise vote, the 67 musicians also settled separate contract issues with the Washington Opera by a unanimous vote, ending a dispute that had forced the cancellation of the first two shows of its seven-show season.

The compromise ensures that orchestra members who are left out of productions that call for only a certain number of musicians will be guaranteed work elsewhere - such as for educational outreach or substituting in the National Symphony Orchestra.