S.F. Symphony to play in China

San Francisco Symphony musicians have agreed to play in China next month despite a labor dispute that threatened to cancel the tour, the symphony and union members said.

The musicians’ union had said the players wouldn’t tour if a three-year contract wasn’t reached but relented after meeting with management, said David Schoenbrun, president of Musicians Union Local 6.

Although no contract was approved, the union said management has moved toward paying the musicians an acceptable rate and that the two sides are close to an agreement. The Symphony’s 103 union members have been working without a contract since Nov. 26.

The tour starts Feb. 6 and includes three performances at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, a concert in Shanghai and a day of educational programs at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.