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| ▲This photo shows, conductor Jaap Van Zweden answering questions during press conference. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo shows, conductor Jaap Van Zweden during press conference. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL January 17 (Yonhap) -- “Getting an offer to be the conductor of such highly valued orchestra is such as Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is a great honor,” adding “I will do my best to lead the great members of the orchestra and perform various pieces like chameleons.” addressed the upcoming conductor of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Jaap Van Zweden on Tuesday.
Conductor Jaap Van Zweden participated in the press conference held at the practice room of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday, addressed “Working with the best orchestra in South Korea is a natural thing” adding “Personally I have a lot of Korean friends myself therefore coming to South Korea is like returning back home.”
Jaap Van Zweden who is currently enlisted as the musical director of New York Phil Harmonic, and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra have flew in to South Korea recently and conducted Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra on January 12 and 13 at Lotte Concert Hall, and received a letter of appointment from the major Oh Se-hoon of Seoul City
When addressing of his acceptance of the role of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s lead conductor Jaap Van Zweden pointed out the South Korean violinist Kang Hyo which he received a lot of influence while he was studying at Juilliard School.
“Professor Kang Hyo, is one of the greatest mentors throughout my life, he definitely provided more than most of the mentors I have met throughout my life, he is like a charm of South Korean classical music. In my personal belief I consider the future of classical music lies within Asia. That is exactly why I have started to work with Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra 11 years ago.” addressed Jaap Van Zweden throughout the press conference.
Jaap Van Zweden who spent significant amount of time as a concert master of Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from Amsterdam of Nederland received a nickname of “Orchestra Trainer” due to his strict leadership presented as he switched from being a violinist to a conductor.
“In order for the orchestra to showcase 90 percent of their ability on stage, they need to be at their 110 percent,” adding “In order for the artist and the conductor to enjoy the freedom on stage one needs to practice vigorously.” addressed conductor Jaap Van Zweden.
Moreover, conductor addressed “Democracy within the orchestra is also very important, that is because we are one when we get on stage, we perform as one, therefore a harmony we create on stage is very important” adding “After I started conducting I have worked with various orchestras, however I have never fired an artist before. As a director of an orchestra is to make sure everyone learns and becomes a better artist in the future. I could be very picky and harsh sometimes, however, I don’t hold any personal grudges. Because, it all comes down to a leadership that leads the members of orchestra to becoming a better performer.”
Conductor Jaap Van Zweden addressed “Performers are all human with family members,” adding “As a conductor you need to understand what is happening within their individual lives. Therefore I would like to get to know everyone of the performers within Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra on their personal levels.”
When asked of the direction Jaap Van Zweden plans on taking with directing Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, he addressed “I will be taking enough time to truly look for potentials of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. however the current atmosphere orchestra has is amazing, therefore I will lead them to be a successful group which has ability to perform various pieces like a chameleon.”
Especially conductor stated that over 30 percent of the programs he will perform will feature a new tracks from armature composers to provide opportunity for rising composers to receive spotlight.
Jaap Van Zweden who continues to feature tracks by the upcoming composers during the concerts he performs with New York Philharmonic Orchestra addressed composer Jung Jae-il from “Squid Game” and appealed his want to work with the composer someday in the near future.
Moreover, Jaap Van Zweden who have established an organization to help out those with autism, addressed that he would like to performs a concert for those with disability and vulnerability at least once a year while addressing “We must never forget about the those with disability.”
Right after the press conference, Jaap Van Zweden departed to Hong Kong, however he will return back to Seoul in April to participating in the selection process of the members of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. The official inauguration will take place in January of 2024, Jaap Van Zweden will be conducting Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra during the concerts in July, November and December performing various pieces by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and more.
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Joonha Yoo)
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