There is hope that striking members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will soon be off the picket line and back on stage.

Both sides in the dispute have welcomed an offer by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to help end the nearly two-month work stoppage over pensions and wages.  The mayor calls the CSO “the crown jewel” of Chicago’s cultural scene.

The union representing the 100 striking musicians says they’re at “a critical juncture.” CSO conductor Riccardo Muti is returning to Chicago soon and this summer’s concert schedule could be jeopardized if there’s no deal soon.

The Orchestra’s management says it is looking forward to working with the union in fashioning what it calls “a mutually acceptable contract.”