Rome Opera sacks musicians

The Mayor of Rome has announced that the cash strapped Rome Opera has dismissed 182 members of it's orchestra and chorus after a series of strikes led to cancelled performances, lost sponsorship and prompted respected conductor Riccardo Muti to walk out. The Opera is €40 million in debt and unionised staff have been accused of accumulating privileges as well as fighting off cuts by striking.  Musicians will now be engaged via an independent company which the dismissed performers were invited to  join although union leaders said they would fight the decision.