1960

Jaap van Zweden was born in Amsterdam, North Holland.

Like many young boys of his age, he spent most of his time outdoors playing football (soccer). One day when he hears the violin concerto of Max Bruch, he tells his parents he wants to become a violinist. His father, a pianist, encourages him to begin violin studies.

He starts his studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam with Louise Wijngaarden and continues with Davina van Wely. He proves to be an exceptional talent and learns quickly.

At age 15, he wins the National Violinconcours Oskar Back violin which allows him to attend the Juilliard School in New York, where he studied with Dorothy DeLay.

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.