The Zukerman announcement had a predictable effect on the orchestra world – speculation is rampant concerning the violinist/conductor’s longterm status with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. But NACO officials are taking pains to make clear that Zukerman’s unexpected “sabbatical” is not a precursor to his leaving the ensemble, and the orchestra’s managing director says that he expects to announce an extension of Zukerman’s current contract soon. “There has been some tension behind the scenes in recent seasons, as musicians have become divided about Zukerman, but [one] musician said ‘there’s been nothing really that unusual that you would think might have provoked this.'”