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CEDAR RAPIDS — Following a crescendo of negotiations, Orchestra Iowa has reached a new agreement with a significant pay increase for its musicians.

The three-year agreement, announced Thursday, provides what Orchestra Iowa said is the largest musician pay increase in its history of more than 100 years.

After months of negotiations, Orchestra Iowa board president Jeffery Neilsen called it a financial milestone.

“It’s a commitment to honoring the extraordinary talent and dedication of your Orchestra Iowa musicians, and recognition that world-class music deserves world-class support,” he said in statement.

The agreement with American Federation of Musicians Local 137 stipulates a 10 percent in

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