PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philadelphia Orchestra is finally back on the radio in sponsored broadcasts. Unfortunately for them and for music lovers, the radio broadcasts concern the potential strike by the world's finest musicians.

Radio spots started airing today asking music lovers to call the Orchestra Board and the Mayor seeking their intervention to keep the Academy of Music from going dark and silent.

The 60-second spots will run today, tomorrow and Saturday. If necessary, a different advocacy broadcast will run Monday and Tuesday, leading up to the scheduled opening of the Orchestra season Tuesday evening.

Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra will engage in informational picketing at tonight's scheduled Pavarotti appearance at the Academy of Music. Picketing will begin at 6:30 p.m., one half hour before the concert is scheduled to commence.

"Again, with only three days remaining before a potential strike vote by the members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the progress of yesterday's negotiations can be summed up on one word -- NADA," stated Orchestra press spokesperson Bob Bedard. "The metronome is ticking toward Friday's deadline."

Members of the Orchestra will be playing a mini concert at the home of Trudy and Fred Honigman, 211 Winding Way, Merion (610-664-7073) to seek public support at an organizational/information meeting. About 25 Orchestra supporters are expected to be in attendance. (Media may request a photo opportunity by calling the Honigmans).

An Orchestra Press Conference is scheduled for outside the Ormandy Room, 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 13, at the Double Tree Hotel, Philadelphia.

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