MUSIC

Operatic Strike: The San Francisco Opera locked its 69 member orchestra out of the War Memorial Opera House on Wednesday because of a contract dispute, so the musicians took their instruments to the street to practice for opening night. Clarinetist Joanne Eisler, head of the orchestra’s negotiating committee, said the musicians drew an appreciative crowd of passers-by. The orchestra’s three-year contract expired Sunday after the musicians rejected a management offer for a 4% salary increase. Opera General Manager Lotfi Mansouri said the Sept. 7 opening of the opera season may be canceled if a new contract is not signed by then. The musicians are seeking a 12% salary increase. The opera has canceled rehearsals until a final contract is hammered out.