Washington's Symphony Folds

Washington proudly calls its nine-year-old orchestra the National Symphony Orchestra, proudly considers it one of the dozen-odd major symphonies of the U. S.

Conductor since the start has been Hans Kindler, bouncing, blond Netherlander, no kindler of heat in his 80 players but a hilarious prankster, always good for a funny pose when the boys with the cameras come around. Last week the National Symphony announced that this season would be its last. Reason: union trouble.

Base pay for the Symphony has been $50 a week for a 23-week season, or less than $25 on a yearly basis if a player has no other jobs. The Musicians' Protective Union demanded a $10-a-week raise, a 27-week season. The orchestra association, with a $103.000 deficit, offered several compromises, including a $5 raise, a longer season if more funds could be raised. Said the union: No.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.