Former Dallas Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jaap van Zweden returned as guest conductor for the orchestra's May 1, 2025, concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Photo by Sylvia Elzafon/Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
In Tuesday’s (5/27) Violin Channel, an unbylined article states, “The Dutch media program Pointer (KRO-NCRV) … has released a documentary report on conductor Jaap van Zweden…. Pointer’s report interviewed around 50 musicians, management, and staff from seven of the orchestras van Zweden conducted in the Netherlands and abroad … Pointer highlights experiences from several musicians (most of whom chose to remain anonymous …), who consistently allege van Zweden’s harsh and sometimes intimidating working behavior…. Jaap van Zweden’s career is marked by several high-profile roles, including music director of the New York Philharmonic” and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “Previously, he served as concertmaster of the Concertgebouw Orchestra…. In the last 30 years, he has led well over 50 orchestras worldwide. In … Pointer, an orchestra manager stated: ‘the public adore him, but in orchestra circles it is well known that he treats musicians in an authoritarian manner’… The conductor … provided a recorded statement on the allegations … Below is part of his response: ‘As a conductor, I have to unite over 100 individuals in one shared vision … This requires clear choices. My style of leadership should never lead to unhealthy stress or sleepless nights. I know I can be demanding. But my target is always the collective, not an individual…. You have to do it in such a way that everyone feels seen and valued…. Of course I am open to criticism. If my way of working needs to improve, please tell me.’ ”
