Strike Forces New York Ballet to Use Recording

Dancers performed the perennial holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” to a recorded score at Lincoln Center on Friday after musicians from the striking New York City Ballet orchestra failed to reach a contract settlement after hours of negotiations.

The two sides were still talking after the performance started at 8 p.m., said Bill Dennison, an official with the union.

“I want a refund,” said ballet-goer Andrea Alonso of Engelwood Cliffs, N.J., moments before the curtain went up. “I came with four kids and I don’t want to hear a cassette.”

In a written statement, the ballet said that using a recorded score was the only way to fulfill its mandate to the public.

“We do not want a darkened theater. . . . Our only alternative is to proceed with tonight’s performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ to taped music,” the statement said.

Dennison said the musicians had offered to play during the holiday season while talks went on, but that the ballet had wanted the musicians to agree to play during the spring season as well, which the musicians refused to promise. That refusal prompted the ballet to lock the orchestra out, Dennison said.

The 63 musicians went on strike Tuesday. “The union feels very strongly about wanting to get it resolved, which does not mean we’re taking a position of surrender. We must protect our members,” said Judy West, spokeswoman for Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians.

West said the main point of contention has been management’s demand for more stringent orchestra attendance requirements.

In its statement Friday, the ballet said its latest offer included financial incentives for musicians who agree voluntarily to adhere to “basic standards of attendance.”