Vanska Quits Minnesota Orchestra as Labor Dispute Drags On MINNEAPOLIS - Osmo Vanska resigned on Tuesday as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, evidently in response to the orchestra's announcement that it had canceled two concerts he had planned to conduct at Carnegie Hall in early November. The players of the orchestra, unable to agree with management on a new contract since the old one expired on Oct. 1, 2012, have been locked out since then. The orchestra canceled its entire 2012-13 season and seems unlikely to begin its 2013-14 season on Friday, as scheduled. The resignation was a major blow for the Minnesota Orchestra, which under Mr. Vanska had been building its reputation as one of the finest ensembles in the country, especially in works by Nordic composers. Mr. Vanska, 60, had said that if the orchestra were to be ready for the new season and for the Carnegie concerts in particular it would have to start rehearsing at least by this week. He had also said that if the Carnegie concerts were canceled he would resign, though he was under contract until 2015. The November concerts, together with two more at Carnegie in April, were to have offered an intensive survey of the symphonies and other music of Sibelius. Mr. Vanska, who is Finnish, is recognized as one of the finest Sibelius interpreters in the world and he had said repeatedly that these concerts were especially meaningful to him. In a statement released by his British manager, Mr. Vanska said: "It is a very sad day for me. Over 10 years ago I was honored to be invited to take up this position. I moved from Finland to the Twin Cities. At that time I made clear my belief that the Minnesota Orchestra could become one of the very greatest international ensembles. During the intervening years I have had the privilege of seeing that belief vindicated through the skill, hard work and commitment of this wonderful group of players and with the valued support of the board of directors, management and administration team, volunteers, as well as our exceptional community. His manager said that Mr. Vanska would not be making further comments or giving interviews at this time.