Farewell Symphony: Jaap van Zweden's Last Season
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
The final season of Jaap van Zweden's tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic has begun, featuring a new suite commissioned by star violinist Joshua Bell. However, the focus has been on Bell and the recently departed chief executive Deborah Borda, rather than van Zweden himself. Van Zweden's time in New York has been marked by the orchestra's survival through the pandemic, the renovation of Geffen Hall, and an emphasis on contemporary music. While his choices of music have been standard, his conducting style is characterized by tension and precision. The season will include core repertoire works and newer pieces, culminating in Mahler's Second Symphony for his finale in June.