Symphony agrees to arbitration

The Seattle Symphony Orchestra has agreed to arbitration over a suit filed by the Seattle Symphony Players Organization on behalf of the orchestra's former concertmaster, Ilkka Talvi, last fall. Talvi's contract with the orchestra was not renewed last spring, and the orchestra's management is seeking a new concertmaster. Last month, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the symphony must agree to arbitration or appeal that decision within 30 days.

"We do plan to go to arbitration," said symphony executive director Paul Meecham. "The process is in motion to determine an arbitrator. The arbitrator, once determined, will select an appropriate date."

UW piano series announces schedule

The President's Piano Series at the University of Washington has announced details of the 2005-06 season, the series' 25th. Opening the series on Oct. 19 will be Hungarian-born Andras Schiff, followed by Bach specialist Angela Hewitt (Nov. 15); young Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski (Jan. 24, 2006); American pianist Leon Bates (Feb. 15, 2006); and a special non-subscription recital featuring Murray Perahia (March 13, 2006).

The series concludes April 11, 2006, with a performance by Brazilian-born Arnaldo Cohen. Subscriptions are available now; single tickets go on sale June 13 (206-543-4880).

Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times staff