After freelance musicians went on strike last January, the biggest freelance orchestras agreed to establish core rosters.

Local 802 represents the players in 12 freelance orchestras, whose contracts expired on Sept. 11.

The Artek Ensemble, like other local freelance orchestras, draws on many of the best-known period-instrument players in New York City.

Among the 12 freelance orchestras in New York - from the adventurous American Composers Orchestra to the more modest Queens Symphony - it is near the top in terms of reputation and ambition.

It did not hurt that of the 12 freelance orchestras represented by Local 802, the Brooklyn Philharmonic was said to have one of the best contracts in terms of benefits.

Last winter, a consortium of freelance orchestras struck for several weeks, and eventually won modest increases in benefits, as well as tenure guarantees.

Mr. La Selva, the company's founder and director, had a good freelance orchestra and chorus at hand and led a well-paced and nicely phrased performance.

The consensus response expressed by members of the 60-piece freelance orchestra, besides surprise and sympathy for Mr. Keimach, who was liked and respected, included "The board hires the conductor.

The players are some of the best and busiest in New York City and are frequently seen in chamber ensembles and playing in other freelance orchestras.

It was accompanied by an excellent freelance orchestra in all but the Ives, in which Penna Rose was the organist.