For Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra musicians, the show goes on amidst strike

Musicians of the

"We don't really want to deny the public any music because of the strike," says principal bassoonist Todd Jelen, who is chairperson of the

they are not reimbursed enough for travel expenses, and that the chamber orchestra has an inflexible attendance policy for musicians. The chamber orchestra says it has made concessions on wages, pensions and other issues.

WCO musicians juggle obligations with various, sometimes geographically far-flung performing groups. "We're all trying to make a living," says Jelen, who also plays with the symphonies of Akron and Canton, Ohio.

As for future negotiations, "I'm a little bit more optimistic than I was a couple of days ago," says Jelen.