Riccardo Muti meets with striking CSO musicians Tuesday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Musicians for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra remain on strike Tuesday and met with CSO Music Director Riccardo Muti.

Muti met with them outside the Symphony Center Tuesday morning. Muti issued a statement saying he stands with the musicians.

"I had a scheduled 10am rehearsal today. Due to the strike, this rehearsal has been cancelled," Muti said in a statement Tuesday. "However, I am going to meet my musicians and colleagues anyway. I am not participating in the picket line, but I wish to listen to what the musicians have to say.

I intend my position not to be neutral, but I am trying to help the two parties reconcile for the benefit of the great Chicago Symphony, for the entire community in Chicago and the world."

RELATED: Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians go on strike

Contract talks broke down Sunday night. The main issues include wages and pensions.

Because of the strike, a St. Patrick's Day celebration has been canceled for Tuesday night at the symphony center. Each year, Old St. Pat's marks St. Patrick's Day with a program of world-class Celtic entertainment, but it won't go on Tuesday.

All Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association concerts scheduled to take place at Symphony Center have been canceled Thursday through Saturday, the association announced said.

Patrons with tickets to canceled concerts have options, including exchanging their tickets into future concerts, donating their tickets or requesting a refund.

For more information, visit cso.org or call Patron Services at 312-294-3000.