Dallas’ Great Music Loss

It’s a bittersweet day for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra: The New York Philharmonic has tapped beloved conductor Jaap van Zweden to succeed Alan Gilbert as its next music director, starting with the 2018–2019 season. A great loss for Dallas, but certainly exciting for van Zweden, who will ease into his new role in the 2017-2018 season as the music director-designate.

His résumé boasts myriad accomplishments — honorary chief conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra; conductor emeritus of the Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra; Musical America’s 2012 Conductor of the Year; and countless others. Van Zweden first joined the DSO in 2008, and debuted at the New York Philharmonic on April 12, 2012. He’s returned to The Big Apple regularly, most recently in October of last year.

Dallas’ loss is New York’s gain, as we will all miss the legendary visionary oft credited with elevating the DSO’s performances throughout his tenure. The Dutch maestro describes the move as “an honor,” adding that he looks forward to being a true New Yorker, as he was during his time studying at Juilliard.