Opera members take pay cut to protect colleagues

Musicians at Chicago's Lyric Opera have voted to receive less than full pay so ring cycle members can receive a weekly paycheck until the end of the performance season in May.

A statement from the musicians said:

"Allowing the extra musicians to go without a paycheck was simply unacceptable to the orchestra. For the past four years, regular and extra musicians have worked side-by-side. 

"For the Musicians of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra, the choice was clear: they must care for their entire Ring orchestra family."

Houston Grand Opera has committed to paying its artists 50% of their salaries: "Everyone from our star performers to the ushers will be supported during this uncertain time."

Peter Gelb, General Manager of New York's Metropolitan Opera, has waived his salary, while higher-paid administrative staff are taking pay cuts. Full-time union employees have been offered pay through March.