As of the 2018/2019 season, Jaap van Zweden will be the musical director of the New York Philharmonic. The Dutch maestro will be conducting over 50 concerts, most of which take place at the Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. Grab your tickets in advance via the New York Philharmonic’s official site.

Powerful, eloquent … the conductor’s expansive molding of the interweaving lines ... this was the beating heart of van Zweden’s interpretation.” — Chicago Tribune on Jaap van Zweden in Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony

Mozart & Corigliano

May 30, June 1 | David Geffen Hall

Experience John Corigliano’s piercing, personal dedication to loved ones lost and the many impacted by the widespread AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. Jaap van Zweden conducts and is joined by David Fray (who has “distinctive Mozartean affinity” — BBC) for Mozart’s fierce, introspective “Piano Concerto No. 24”.

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Prisoner of the state

June 6, 7, 8 | David Geffen Hall

Don’t miss this contemporary take on Beethoven’s “Fidelio”. In “prisoner of the state”, the New York Philharmonic’s climactic season finale, Pulitzer Prize–winning composer David Lang transforms the classic opera into an exploration of challenging an evil government, putting a fresh lens on the fall of a political tyrant. The Philharmonic — an integral part of the drama — serves as witness in this fully staged opera. This project is furthermore co-commissioned by Rotterdam’s de Doelen, giving it even more Dutch flair.

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Jaap van Zweden conducts New York Philharmonic’s 2017-18 Opening Night conert at David Geffen Hall, 9/19/17 © Photo by Chris Lee

Park Concerts

June 11 | Van Cortlandt Park | More info
June 12 | Great Lawn, Central Park | More info
June 13 | Cunningham Park | More info
June 14 | Prospect Park | More info
June 16 | St. George Theatre (indoors) | More info
All concerts are free and begin at 8 pm.

Program to include:

Rossini – Overture to La Gazza Ladra
Very Young Composers – Works by Very Young Composers of New York City
Copland – Hoe-Down, from Rodeo
Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 2

Jaap van Zweden has become an international presence on three continents over the last decade. The 2017–18 season marks a major milestone as he completes his ten-year tenure as music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and simultaneously serves as Music Director Designate of the New York Philharmonic, anticipating his inaugural season, in 2018–19, when he becomes the Orchestra’s 26th Music Director. He continues as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, a post he has held since 2012. Highlights of his 2017–18 season include return engagements to the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

Maestro van Zweden has appeared as guest conductor with many leading orchestras around the globe, including, in addition to those above, the Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras; Boston, London, and Shanghai symphony orchestras; Los Angeles, Vienna, Berlin, and Munich philharmonic orchestras; Orchestre national de France; and Orchestre de Paris. With the Dallas Symphony, he launched the annual SOLUNA International Music & Arts Festival in 2015, the same year that he and the Hong Kong Philharmonic embarked on a four-year project featuring the first-ever performances in Hong Kong of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, which is being recorded for release on Naxos Records. In the summers of 2017–19, he serves as principal conductor of the Gstaad Festival Orchestra and Gstaad Conducting Academy.

Jaap van Zweden conducts the New York Philharmonic with Cynthia Phelps as soloist performing New York Premiere of Julia Adolphe’s Unearth, Release (Concerto for Viola and Orchestra) at David Geffen Hall, 11/17/16 © Photo by Chris Lee

Jaap van Zweden has made numerous acclaimed recordings, including Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Petrushka, Britten’s War Requiem, and the complete Beethoven and Brahms symphonies. He has also completed the cycle of Bruckner symphonies with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, has recorded Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (on the LPO Live label), and released Mozart piano concertos with the Philharmonia Orchestra and David Fray (Virgin). His highly praised performances of Wagner’s Lohengrin, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and Parsifal (the last of which earned Maestro van Zweden the prestigious Edison award for Best Opera Recording in 2012) are available on CD and / or DVD. On the Dallas Symphony’s own record label, he has released symphonies by Tchaikovsky (Nos. 4 and 5), Beethoven (Nos. 5 and 7), Mahler (Nos. 3 and 6), and Dvořák (No. 9, From the New World), as well as the World Premiere recording of Steven Stucky’s concert drama August 4, 1964. His most recent releases on Naxos are his recordings with the Hong Kong Philharmonic of Wagner’s Das Rheingold and Die Walküre.

A recording of Jaap van Zweden and the New York Philharmonic’s performances of Beethoven’s Symphonies Nos. 5 and 7 was released on CD and for streaming and download in February 2018; the release launched the Philharmonic’s partnership with Decca Gold, Universal Music Group’s newly established U.S. classical music label.

© Roger Neve

Born in Amsterdam, Jaap van Zweden was appointed as the youngest-ever concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra at 19, and began his conducting career nearly 20 years later, in 1996. He remains honorary chief conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, where he served as chief conductor, 2005–13. He also held the post of chief conductor of the Royal Flanders Orchestra, 2008–11. Maestro van Zweden was named Musical America’s 2012 Conductor of the Year in recognition of his critically acclaimed work as music director of the Dallas Symphony and as a guest conductor with the most prestigious U.S. orchestras.

In 1997 Jaap van Zweden and his wife, Aaltje, established the Papageno Foundation with the objective of supporting families of children with autism. Over the years, the support from Papageno has taken shape through a number of programs in which professional music therapists and musicians receive additional training in using music as a major tool for working with autistic children. Papageno House, a new home for autistic young adults and children, was opened in Laren, the Netherlands, in August 2015, with Her Majesty Queen Maxima in attendance.

Jaap van Zweden conducts the New York Philharmonic performing Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra (New York Premiere) by Philip Glass with

Each season the New York Philharmonic connects with up to 50 million music lovers through live concerts in New York City and on its worldwide tours and residencies as well as with its digital recording series; international broadcasts on television, radio, and online; and as a resource through its varied education programs. The New York Philharmonic’s 2017–18 season celebrates the Philharmonic’s greatest strengths and essential commitments while looking to the future as an innovative, global ensemble, spotlighting its musicians and partners, dedication to new music, wide-ranging repertoire, education programs, and accessibility.

This season Jaap van Zweden serves as Music Director Designate of the New York Philharmonic. He becomes Music Director in the 2018–19 season, succeeding musical leaders including Alan Gilbert (2009–17); Lorin Maazel (2002–09); Kurt Masur (Music Director 1991–2002; named Music Director Emeritus in 2002); Zubin Mehta (1978–91); Pierre Boulez (1971–77); Leonard Bernstein (appointed Music Director in 1958; named Laureate Conductor in 1969); Arturo Toscanini (1928–36); and Gustav Mahler (1909–11).

Founded in 1842 by local musicians led by American-born Ureli Corelli Hill, the New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, and one of the oldest in the world. Today, the Orchestra’s performances are enriched by collaborations among today’s leading artists and institutions. This season, Esa-Pekka Salonen completes his three-year tenure as The Marie-Josée Kravis Composer-in-Residence, and pianist Leif Ove Andsnes serves as The Mary and James G. Wallach artist-in-residence.

In 1962, Philharmonic Hall—renamed Avery Fisher Hall in 1973 and later renamed David Geffen Hall in 2015—became one of the first buildings to be completed on the Lincoln Center site and home to one of its first resident organizations, the world-renowned New York Philharmonic.

Today, David Geffen Hall hosts notable performances by acclaimed orchestras and artists from around the globe, as well as galas, film premieres, graduations, and conferences. Located on the north side of Josie Robertson Plaza facing Lincoln Center’s iconic Revson Fountain, David Geffen Hall’s spacious lobby and promenade feature such eminent artwork as Rodin’s bust of Gustav Mahler and Dimitri Hadzi’s sculpture The Hunt, in addition to wraparound views of the Lincoln Center campus.

Past concerts

Inaugural Concert

September 20 | David Geffen Hall

Join the New York Philharmonic’s 2018 Opening Gala Concert, welcoming Jaap van Zweden in his inaugural concert as music director. Daniil Trifonov solos in Ravel’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in G. The Rite of Spring roars to life with visceral rhythms and the raw energy of ancient Russian rituals. And you’ll witness the World Premiere of an adventurous new work by “arresting” (The New Yorker) and “moving” (The New York Times) composer Ashley Fure, written for this momentous occasion.

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Trifonov, Beethoven, and Stravinsky

September 21, 22, 25 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden conducts a program featuring Daniil Trifonov (‘a brilliant, uncommonly poetic soloist’ — The New York Times) in Beethoven’s majestic and powerful “Emperor Concerto”. Then “The Rite of Spring” roars to life with visceral rhythms and the raw energy of ancient Russian rituals as spring crackles through the frozen Russian earth. And you’ll witness the World Premiere of an adventurous new work by “arresting” (The New Yorker) and “moving” (The New York Times) composer Ashley Fure.

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Free Open Rehearsal

September 27 | David Geffen Hall

As a gift to the citizens of New York, and to enable even more New Yorkers to meet Jaap, the Philharmonic will present a Free Open Rehearsal on September 27, 2018, as a gift from Jaap van Zweden and the Orchestra. After the rehearsal, Maestro van Zweden will stay onstage for a chat with President and CEO Deborah Borda and Conrad Tao. Free general admission tickets for the Open Rehearsal are available on a first come, first serve basis, one per person, starting that morning at 9:00 a.m. on Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza. The first fans to arrive in line can expect some prices, and raffles and other activities on the Plaza will begin at 8:00 a.m.

More info

Jaap van Zweden conducts the New York Philharmonic with Cynthia Phelps as soloist performing New York Premiere of Julia Adolphe’s Unearth, Release (Concerto for Viola and Orchestra) at David Geffen Hall, 11/17/16 © Photo by Chris Lee

Bruckner’s Symphony No.8 & World Premiere of Conrad Tao’s Everything Must Go

September 27, 28 | David Geffen Hall

‘Beauty is what Bruckner is talking about,’ says Jaap van Zweden. In the “Eighth Symphony” beauty takes many forms: its gradual unfolding, burnished brass sonorities, soaring lyricism, and triumphant ending. Conrad Tao was thinking cinematically when he composed his “curtain raiser” — reminiscent of an overture to a magnificent musical — excitedly anticipating Bruckner’s grand narrative to come.

Everything Must Go was commissioned by the Philharmonic as a prelude to Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8, including the same instrumentation. Conrad Tao responded to the metaphor of Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony as a cathedral of sound, imagining that structure coming to life and then decaying. He also took inspiration from other preludes, including classic French overtures and movie title sequences. Though he did not deliberately quote Bruckner in Everything Must Go, the composer acknowledges “happy accidents” where his work echoes Bruckner’s harmonic and rhythmic structures. “The deadliest brief is, ‘You can do anything you want.’ That is the most terrifying thing to hear,” Conrad Tao said. “I think creativity is spurred on by boundaries.”

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The Art of Andriessen

October 4, 5, 6 | David Geffen Hall

The power and beauty of nature come to life in Debussy’s richly evocative seascape — from shimmering light dancing on calm waters to the drama of crashing waves. Also, Leila Josefowicz (“ferociously intense playing” — The Guardian) stars in Stravinsky’s “Violin Concerto.” Louis Andriessen promises to engage you in the compelling musical language of his new work, as he will present the World Premiere of “Agamemnon” during these concerts.

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Sound ON: Going Dutch

October 7 | The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Sound ON is the new-music series where both sound and stimulation are set to “on,” with views of Central Park from The Appel Room. At “Going Dutch,” get a closer look at the rebellious spirit of Dutch contemporary composer Louis Andriessen. Hosted and curated by Nadia Sirota, and featuring Jaap van Zweden. Next to Louis Andriessen and Jaap van Zweden, other Dutch influences will similarly surface this night: Martijn Padding and Vanessa Lann are featured as well.

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Louis Andriessen © Francesca Patella

Britten & Shostakovich

November 29, 30; December 4 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden leads the Orchestra in Shostakovich’s “Leningrad Symphony”, born under the sign of war. Its unremitting march rhythms, alongside music of indomitable hope and triumph, guarantee a gripping experience. Simone Lamsma performs Britten’s Violin Concerto — you’ll experience pyrotechnics along with melodies of haunting beauty and poignancy. Moreover, this performance will be the Dutch violinist’s debut performance with the Philharmonic, making the concerts unmissable.

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Mozart’s Symphony No.40

December 6, 7, 8 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden leads Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40”, one of his magnificent “trilogy” of final symphonies, that speaks in his most personal voice, continuing to have a profound emotional impact. Artist-in-residence Matthias Goerne (“today’s leading interpreter of German art songs” — Chicago Tribune) compellingly interprets beloved songs by Schubert and Richard Strauss.

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New Year’s Even: Viennese Ball

December 31 | David Geffen Hall

Ring in the New Year with the New York Philharmonic and Music Director Jaap van Zweden reveling in a celebration of Viennese and popular classics.

Program TBA.

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Jaap van Zweden conducts New York Philharmonic’s 2017-18 Opening Night conert at David Geffen Hall, 9/19/17. Photo by Chris Lee

Beethoven & Rachmaninoff

January 16, 18, 19, 22 | David Geffen Hall

Conducted by Jaap van Zweden, Rachmaninoff’s deeply Romantic symphony envelops the listener with sweeping melodies, lush orchestrations, and inspired lyrical passages. Yefim Bronfman solos in Beethoven’s “Second Piano Concerto”, where the spirit of Mozart hovers over dramatic emotions and muscular language.

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Fire in my mouth

January 24, 25, 26 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden conducts Julia Wolfe’s immersive visual and musical event — featuring lights, chamber choir, video, and projection — that explores a seminal event in New York City, the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 that killed more than 100 young immigrants.

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Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Ax

January 30, 31; February 1, 2 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden conducts symphonic “bookends” by Mozart — his first, composed at age eight, and his final and grandest, the 41st, aptly named for the king of the gods. Emanuel Ax returns for a musical doubleheader: Haydn’s most popular piano concerto, ranging from poetic passages to a Hungarian rondo in its finale, and Stravinsky’s Capriccio — a wild fusion of Baroque touches and jazzy romp.

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Brahms’s “A German Requiem”

February 7, 8, 9 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden conducts “A German Requiem”, Brahms’s moving musical statement about the human condition. On first hearing, this work composer-pianist Clara Schumann wrote to Brahms, ‘I am completely filled with your Requiem,” and rhapsodized over its “profound seriousness, … magic and poetry.’

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Jaap van Zweden conducts New York Philharmonic’s 2017-18 Opening Night conert at David Geffen Hall, 9/19/17. Photo by Chris Lee

Insights at the Atrium

March 20 | David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

Jaap van Zweden discusses the path towards his inaugural season at the NY Philharmonic, the core values he brings to his musicianship and the Orchestra, and his views on the role of the symphony orchestra in the 21st century.

Brahms’s First Symphony

March 21, 23, 26 | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden leads Brahms’s intrepid “First Symphony”, a lyrical, bold, and brilliant masterpiece in which he triumphs with a voice all his own. Artist-in-residence Matthias Goerne sings John Adams’s setting of Whitman’s poignant verses that recall his comforting the sick and dying in America’s Civil War.

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Maurizio Pollini with the NY Philharmonic

March 27 | David Geffen Hall

One night only with Pollini and the New York Philharmonic, featuring Romantic masterpieces by Beethoven and Schumann. What is more, the concert opens with the “Cyrano de Bergerac Overture” by Dutch composer Johan Wagenaar.

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Phil the Hall

April 4, 5, 6 (2x) | David Geffen Hall

Jaap van Zweden and the Philharmonic welcome an array of New Yorkers to these special performances, bringing together the noble doers, dreamers, and everyday heroes of our great and diverse city. We extend a warm invitation to all those on whom we depend — those who devote their talents to teaching, who respond first, volunteer, give back, and work in public service.

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Mahler’s Symphony No.6

April 11, 12, 13 | David Geffen Hall

Mahler’s Sixth — a heart-stopping tour de force for virtuoso orchestra — discloses its tragedy slowly and dramatically: passages of great beauty and calm; violins soaring in the “Alma theme” (a portrait of the composer’s wife); and the sound of distant cowbells as if from alpine pastures. But in the end, Mahler revealed, prophetic hammer-blows of fate ‘fell [the hero] like the stroke of an axe.’

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© Roger Neve

Beethoven’s “Eroica”

May 22, 23, 25, 28 | David Geffen Hall

Feel the power of Beethoven’s Eroica, forever linked to Napoleon — nearly its dedicatee — until he crowned himself emperor. His moral compass thus betrayed, the enraged composer’s dedication would instead celebrate “the memory of a great man.” Jaap van Zweden also conducts music by Shostakovich, who labored under the tyranny of Stalin’s regime.

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The Annual Free Memorial Day Concert

May 27 | The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

The free Memorial Day Concert at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine features Bruckner’s Eighth. ‘Beauty is what Bruckner is talking about,’ says Jaap van Zweden. In this symphon,y beauty takes many forms: its gradual unfolding, burnished brass sonorities, soaring lyricism, and a triumphant ending. An inspiring, spiritual way to remember those who died while serving in America’s armed forces.

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