Chicago Symphony Orchestra holds first concert after strike

The Symphony Center is being filled with music once again.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra held its first performance since ending a nearly two month strike. Doors opened at 7:30 p.m. tonight to a crowd of enthusiastic ticket holders at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti, who has received numerous international honors, opened his fifth CSO residency. The program included Bizet's Roma and Berlioz's "The Death of Cleopatra."  The symphony has been a staple in this city for 128 years.

After walking the picket lines outside Orchestra Hall on Michigan Avenue for seven weeks, musicians with the Chicago Symphony reached a five year agreement with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association last week. The deal calls for increases in base salary and changes to the pension plan.

Now, it's all about getting back to what they do best.

“We’ve missed them, we’ve truly missed this beautiful jewel of what we have here in the city of Chicago," said Bob Rogers, symphony patron.

“I’m really happy, especially I’m happy for the musicians because it looks like they settled in a way that’s agreeable to them," said Marta Toidee, symphony patron.

“The symphony is a treasure in the city. I’ve been coming here since I was a young child," said Lisa McKee, symphony patron.

Anyone who had a ticket to a performance that was cancelled during the strike, there are various options for getting your money's worth, either by exchanging it or donating it.