The San Francisco Symphony had been set to open its 2024-25 season with three sold-out performances of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem. But the Sept. 19-21 concerts were canceled just two hours before opening night as union members of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus announced a strike.

A picket line will form outside of Davies Symphony hall at 6 p.m. Thursday. SF Symphony representatives said the concerts will not be rescheduled, and that ticket holders have the option to either exchange their tickets for tickets to another 2024-25 performance or a gift certificate; turn tickets into a tax-deductible donation; or receive a full refund.

The chorus' 32 paid singers are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), and have been in contract negotiations with Symphony leadership since May. The labor dispute hinges on proposed budget cuts to the chorus, which union representatives say is already the lowest-paid segment of the Symphony.