JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After being locked out for more than two months, musicians on Wednesday afternoon accepted a new five-year contract from the Jacksonville Symphony Association.

The new agreement calls for a pay freeze at the 2006-07 pay rate during the first three years, then a 2.5 percent increase in year four, and a 3 percent increase in year five.

The contract was the result of the latest round of negotiations between the association and the Jacksonville Symphony Players Association on Tuesday. A statement from the musicians' union said the deal was reached with the help of a new group -- Friends of the Jacksonville Symphony -- which will assist the association raise additional funds to pay the additional costs of the new deal.

"We are obviously elated by the involvement and enthusiasm of the Friends of the Jacksonville Symphony, and their willingness to raise the funds to close this deal," Jacksonville Symphony Players’ Association chairwoman Susan Pardue said. "We regret the loss of great music in Jacksonville as a result of the lockout. We look forward to welcoming back our loyal and supportive audience."

The musicians were locked out nine weeks ago when the talks over proposed cuts to the musicians' pensions and benefits broke down, with all concerts in December and January canceled. The musicians' contract had expired in August.

The symphony association said that concerts will resume on Friday with a pops concert featuring vocalist Kaitlyn Lusk. A radio fundraiser will also be held this weekend, running from noon Saturday to noon Sunday on AM-1490.

As a result of the new contract, musicians agreed to play a one-week summer season to generate more revenue. They will also provide one additional week of educational programming in the region.