As the year-long lockout continues, hard questions mount over how well the orchestra has been managed.

As part of what a critic calls "the slow, relentless shrinking" of the orchestra, players have agreed to forgo 2.5 weeks of pay at the season's end.

"The financial terms include concessions in musicians’ salaries for the remainder of the 2012–2013 season, a move to a more economical healthcare plan, and a temporary reduction in the size of the orchestra. This will be followed by salary and pension increases in subsequent years and the gradual restoration of vacant positions. The new contract includes a significant new electronic media agreement that will allow the launch of a new series of live recordings online and on CD, and provide unprecedented audio and audio visual access, via the Internet, to rehearsals and concerts for public engagement, promotional, educational and community purposes."