Minnesota Orchestra, Locked-Out Musicians OK Contract

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Orchestra and union musicians have ratified a new contract, ending a bitter, 15-month lockout.

The two sides announced the agreement Tuesday. The deal takes effect Feb. 1.

The orchestra's first concert performances back on the Orchestra Hall stage are expected in early February.

The musicians were locked out on Oct. 1, 2012. The dispute led to the resignation of Minnesota Orchestra conductor Osmo Vanska, who had threatened to quit if the lockout wasn't resolved in time to save scheduled performances at Carnegie Hall.