The orchestra has been interviewing candidates for the post since Simon Woods resigned in April 2005 to become CEO of the Scottish National Symphony Orchestra. According to the Star-Ledger, the search committee has been told by candidates that they are unwilling to relocate for the position given the orchestra's financial troubles, which include a $19 million debt.

"Some of the early feedback we got was that we were overly optimistic regarding our situation," interim executive director Stephen Sichak said.

The NJSO will spend the next month putting together a three-year financial plan that it can present to candidates. When it resumes interviewing for the president and CEO job, it will focus on candidates who are already based in the area.