A strike by musicians of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra could force the cancellation of James Taylor [ tickets ] symphonic shows scheduled for Friday and Saturday (10/1-10/2). Taylor kicked off his two-month tour Wednesday in Rochester, N.Y., where he played with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra.

Salaries have been an issue with the Toronto symphony's 98 musicians since 1992, according to the Toronto Star. That year, with the symphony on the verge of bankruptcy, musicians agreed to take a 16% pay cut.

The musicians stopped working on Sept. 25, but negotiations continue. According to a message on a 24-hotline established by the symphony for contract negotiation updates, the fate of the Taylor concert may not be known until Friday morning. Ticketholders are asked to call the hotline at (416) 763-9102 for the most current information.

According to James Taylor [ tickets ] Online, an unofficial fan-run website, an open rehearsal took place in Rochester on Sunday during which Taylor and the orchestra played a mix of Taylor songs and standards.

Taylor will perform with the local symphony in each market. Bandmembers joining the folk rock star for the symphonic tour are Steve Gadd (drums), Jimmy Johnson (bass), and Clifford Carter (keyboards).

On New Year's Eve, Taylor is booked to play a non-symphonic set with his full band at the new Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena in North Carolina.