Clarinetist Tim Zavadil, head of the Louisville Orchestra Musicians Committee, told the Courier-Journal that Cisek is "somebody who'll be very helpful for the mediation process."

On February 8, Provancher told the LO's 71 full-time players that they must reduce their numbers in order for the orchestra to avoid bankruptcy. Unsurprisingly, this was not a popular suggestion; talks have since stalled.

The orchestra faces a projected $500,000 deficit this year; on January 30, the board said that the orchestra may be forced to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in early April. The current musicians' contract expires September 1.

In early February the musicians sent a letter to management saying that they would accept a two-year wage freeze in order to head off bankruptcy, as well as drop a previous demand for health care for their dependents, but the offer was rejected by management.