The New York City Ballet orchestra has voted in favor of a new three-year contract, ending a lockout in which the New York City Ballet used taped music for thirteen performances of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker."

Musicians went on strike on Nov. 23 when they could not reach an agreement on rules for rehearsal attendance and pay for rehearsal and performance. The musicians next agreed to go back to work on Nov. 24 if management was willing to open new talks, according Judy West, spokesperson for the musicians' union.

The management refused, and a lockout followed. More than 20 musicians picketed before each performance.

The ballet used taped music for the shows, which caused an outcry among New Yorkers and tourists who came to hear the dynamics and drama of live players. Some also consider watching the conductor to be an essential part of the experience.

Around five percent of ticket-holders sought refunds to each concert, according to Rob Daniels, spokesperson for the ballet.

"'The Nutcracker' is one of the most heavily sold shows in New York," he said. "Traditionally, it's a hard ticket to get. Once people heard there were returns, there were lines buying the refund tickets."

On Monday afternoon (12/6), musicians began voting on a new contract. By mid-afternoon today (12/7), they approved it 43-19. The contract will give the seventy musicians an 11.3% pay increase over the next three years, plus an improved benefits package, including maternity/paternity benefits for musicians with one-year seniority, said West.

The union and management also agreed on rehearsal attendance rules, which follow complex formulae that depend on the number of musicians in each section.

"Compensation-wise, we did fine," West said. "Some of the attendance requirements were changed, but the musicians can live with it."

This was the third labor dispute in the history of the ballet, which began in 1954.