The company is reportedly trying to cut its budget by $1 million, to $6.4 million. Its 2005-06 budget, according to an earlier article, is balanced.

Although Gleason cited other companies that use recorded music for performances, musicians believe that the move will spell disaster for PBT. Cynthia Anderson, an oboe player and and chair of the orchestra's committee, told the Post-Gazette, "Maybe they do that in Scranton and Backwoods, Tennessee. But Pittsburgh audiences come because they are sophisticated, because they expect artistic excellence."

Earlier this year, it was reported that contract negotiations between PBT and the orchestra had stalled, with the company asking the musicians to take a pay cut. PBT ended its fiscal year without a new contract for the orchestra.

The company will honor all requests for ticket refunds.