The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) has denied allegations that it had sacked nine of its musicians, a move that has set off a global boycott of the organisation.

In a statement yesterday, MPO said that the musicians were not expelled, rather their contracts were not renewed.

"Like any other symphony orchestra in the world, the MPO goes through change-outs of its members for various reasons, including the expiry of contracts of its musicians.

malaysian philharmonic orchestra "No member is offered or employed on a 'life-time' contract basis with the orchestra," it said.

MPO explained that the musicians were issued a six-month contractual expiry notice once the non-renewal of contracts decision was taken.

That decision, it added, was done in an "above-board manner" , describing claims that the musicians had been sacked as "misplaced".

It explained all professional musicians were employed on a fixed-term contract basis and their future of continued employment or service termination is determined by its management in consultation with its music director with the final approval coming from the board of directors.

However, it did not specify any reason behind the move.

MPO said it will press forward with plans to hold auditions across the globe to fill the vacancies in the orchestra.

"The selection process is according to international artistic standards to keep to the exacting requirements of the MPO and to maintain the quality of its performances.

NONE Paris-based International Federation of Musicians (IFM) had called for a boycott of MPO's auditions after it said the non-renewal of nine musicians' contracts was without justification.

Of nine musicians whose contracts were not renewed, four are the orchestra's founding members.