Kim learned earlier this year that his contract would not be renewed for the 2006-07 season for reasons, according to a source, that include criticizing his colleagues and bargaining for extra performance fees.

Kim claimed, although not publicly, that his contract was not renewed because he is not Chinese (he is Korean-born and grew up in Canada).

According to Tim Canlin, the orchestra's chief executive, Kim will not be replaced until the 2006 season. Until then, potential candidates—including Christine Sohn, a freelancer, and John Harding, former concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony—will take his place.