The Younger Years

Over the last decade, conductor Jaap van Zweden has become an international presence on three continents. This season marks a major milestone as he completes his ten-year tenure as Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and simultaneously is Music Director Designate in New York, anticipating his inaugural season (2018-19) as the 26th Music Director of the New York Philharmonic. He continues as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, a post he has held since 2012.

The Violonist

Over the last decade, conductor Jaap van Zweden has become an international presence on three continents. This season marks a major milestone as he completes his ten-year tenure as Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and simultaneously is Music Director Designate in New York, anticipating his inaugural season (2018-19) as the 26th Music Director of the New York Philharmonic. He continues as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, a post he has held since 2012.

The Conductor

Over the last decade, conductor Jaap van Zweden has become an international presence on three continents. This season marks a major milestone as he completes his ten-year tenure as Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and simultaneously is Music Director Designate in New York, anticipating his inaugural season (2018-19) as the 26th Music Director of the New York Philharmonic. He continues as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, a post he has held since 2012.

The Violonist

In 1979, at age 18, Van Zweden becomes one of the two concertmasters of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. He was the youngest violinist ever to assume that position, which he held until 1995. During this time he performed as a soloist with many other orchestras as well.

1983 - 1984

Jaap receives an Edison for his recording of the violin sonatas of Johannes Brahms with Ronald Brautigam behind the piano. In 1984 Jaap gives a recital at the White House in Washington D.C. The vice president and later President George H.W. Bush is present.

1987

Conductor Leonard Bernstein received an Edison for his performance in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, together with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, from the 9th Symphony of Mahler. Jaap van Zweden shares the honor as concertmaster.

At the invitation of Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands Jaap gives a concert with the Venezuelan State Orchestra during the state visit to Venezuela. On the program is the 'First Violin Concerto' by Niccolò Paganini.

1990

Jaap first takes the baton at the request of Leonard Bernstein during an orchestral rehearsal of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Berlin. Leonard Bernstein asks him to direct the opening of Gustav Mahler's 'First Symphony' so that he can hear how the orchestra comes across the concert hall. Afterwards Bernstein jokes with Jaap that his attempt was awful but full of potential.