Jaap van Zweden

New York Philharmonic - Janine Jansen, violinist (cropped)

Jaap van Zweden (born 12 December 1960) is a Dutch conductor and violinist. He is currently the music director of the New York Philharmonic and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Early Life and Education

Jaap van Zweden was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He began studying the violin at an early age and later attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the renowned violinist Dorothy DeLay.

Career

Violinist

Van Zweden's career began as a violinist. At the age of 19, he became the concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, one of the youngest in the orchestra's history. He held this position from 1979 until 1995.

Conductor

Van Zweden transitioned to conducting in the 1990s. His first major appointment was as the chief conductor of the Orkest van het Oosten (Netherlands Symphony Orchestra) from 1996 to 2000. He then served as the chief conductor of the Residentie Orchestra in The Hague from 2000 to 2005.

In 2008, van Zweden was appointed music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 2018. During his tenure, he significantly raised the orchestra's profile and led numerous acclaimed performances and recordings.

In 2012, he became the music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he still holds. In 2018, he began his tenure as the music director of the New York Philharmonic, succeeding Alan Gilbert.

Personal Life

Jaap van Zweden is married to Aaltje van Zweden-van Buuren. The couple has four children. They are known for their philanthropic work, particularly in the field of autism awareness and support, inspired by their son who is on the autism spectrum.

Awards and Honors

Van Zweden has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Musical America Conductor of the Year award in 2012.

Discography

Van Zweden has an extensive discography, including recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

See Also

• List of New York Philharmonic music directors
• Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra