In a statement, the orchestra's board said that the cuts were regrettable but were necessary to reach a balanced budget.

"The negotiating committee of the Shreveport Symphony has successfully negotiated a payroll adjustment for the balance of the current fiscal year," the statement read. "None of us are happy about the necessity of this adjustment. However, with the commitment of the board to "bridge the gap" in our current season and this payroll reduction we anticipate closing the year without a deficit in our operating budget."