Musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra have agreed to take a 12 percent pay cut for the coming season, as a way to help the organization get through the current economic crisis.

Senior management's pay also will be cut, by 15.5 percent; and the orchestra is canceling a European tour.

Other cuts at the orchestra include reduction of 7.5 administrative positions and a salary freeze for non-senior staff.

The musicians approved the pay cuts, even though their union is in the midst of a collective-bargaining agreement that runs through the 2011-1012 season.

"These are unprecedented times and we wanted to do our part to ensure that the organization remains financially healthy," said Thomas Kornacker, SPCO co-principal second violinist. "The entire process was extremely collegial."

Management was relieved that it worked out so collegially.

"I am so grateful to the musicians for demonstrating once again that they are full partners in ensuring the future vitality of this organization. We asked for their help and they immediately responded in a meaningful way," said Sarah Lutman, SPCP president and managing director.

The cuts come even though the SPCO ended last year with a balanced budget. Officials say they are "cautiously optimistic" about balancing the budget for the current fiscal year, ending June 30.

The SPCO entered the economic downturn in a healthy position, having balanced the budget 14 out of the last 15 years. Its subscriber base has grown by over 40 percent since 2002. Annual giving has grown by over $1 million in the last five years.

The orchestra is now in its 50th season.