JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- With no break in the impasse between the Jacksonville Symphony Association and its musicians, the symphony announced Thursday the cancellation of all holiday pops concerts and a Dec. 22 performance of Handel's Messiah.

This is the latest cancellation of performances since the symphony locked out the musicians in mid-November.

"The association is disappointed that a new agreement has not been reached," said the symphony's executive director, Alan Hopper. "There is no one who wants our musicians back on stage more than our board, which comprises the symphony's most loyal and dedicated supporters. We simply can't make financial commitments that are beyond our ability to fund. Our first priority is to achieve financial stability and sustainability for this organization."

Symphony management and the union have been meeting since the beginning of September to negotiate terms of a new contract. The association is asking the musicians to accept a new contract reducing pension benefits for full-time staff and lowering the salaries for part-time staff.

"We want our musicians back performing in Jacoby Hall, but we need them to work with us to help solve the serious financial realities we currently face," " JSA board Chairman Jim Van Vleck said. "Operating under the terms of the expired contract would result in larger financial deficits and place the future of the orchestra in jeopardy."

Members of the Jacksonville Symphony Players' Association are not sitting idol during the labor dispute. Many of the musicians played Wednesday night with student ensembles at the University of North Florida.

"It means a lot to us to be able to perform in public as the holiday season gets under way," said Susan Pardue, chairwoman of the musicians' negotiating committee.

The symphony mailed a letter to those holding tickets for the canceled concerts outlining their options. Ticket holders will be able to exchange their tickets for a future JSO performance.

Concerts after Dec. 23 remain on the schedule.

Patrons can receive information on performance cancellations by calling 904-354-5547 or by visiting JaxSymphony.org.