If this is true it sets a seriously bad precedent. They're basically telling already underrepresented candidates "you're just not good enough to be in an orchestra like the CSO". Hiring subs for a year cannot be better than taking the best sounding player.
I’ve never seen an orchestra have less regard for young musicians than the CSO. This, while very disappointing, totally tracks.
Heard there were three finalists and it was a no hire