INDIANAPOLIS -  

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's season opener was canceled Friday night because the musicians and management are still trying to agree on a new contract, but another member of the arts community offered up a solution for ticket holders.                  

Folks with tickets to canceled symphony performances through Sept. 23 can redeem them at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.

"We know that there are people who are planning on being downtown, planning on experiencing the arts, and this is just another opportunity for them to get into another beautiful theater, see a good production," said Dave Ruark, marketing director at IRT.

"I think it's good to have one institution supporting the other this way and letting the patrons have a good time," an IRT patron said.

Greg Dugan, a 33-year veteran who plays string bass for the symphony, said he'd rather be working Friday night.

"It's very disappointing and frustrating," Dugan said. "We should be inside the building right now, getting ready on stage for our season opener with Krzysztof Urbanski, our fantastic new music director."    

In a statement from the ISO Friday night, Jessica di Santo said, "We are disappointed as well but feel we have had good dialogue and are making some progress this week. We hope all will be resolved soon.        

The South Bend Chocolate Company on Monument Circle is anxious for the two sides to come together as well.

"We get a big rush before and after (ISO performances), and we even offer a 10 percent discount on the back of their tickets, so that's going to have a big effect on us actually," said Mindy Crawford, with South Bend Chocolate Company.

Dugan said talks are scheduled for next week with the expectation that a new deal will be worked out.