DEVELOPING: Three Russian Orchestras Haven't Paid Musicians Since December

An unnamed Muscovite conductor tells London journalist Norman Lebrecht that the Moscow Philharmonic, National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia and State Symphony Orchestra "New Russia" owe back pay to some 300 musicians.

Led by Yury Simonov, Vladimir Spivakov and Yury Bashmet, respectively, each orchestra is endowed with an annual state subsidy of about $3 million. But according to Lebrecht's anonymous source, none of the musicians have seen a check since Christmas.

At the moment, the only other source able to comment on this potentially huge labor violation is a Russian radio station--91.5 FM. (You might want to have Google translate that page.)

As this story develops, do check back here at Classicalite for further updates.