I was having an e-mail exchange with a musical FrontBurnervian, who, in fact has played a minor role with a stringed instrument for the DSO for 20 years. In passing, she said:
I can honestly say that the orchestra is downright giddy regarding the appointment of Jaap van Zweden. I have yet to have the honor of playing under his baton; however, he is, by all accounts, the consummate conductor. The strings have never sounded better. There’s an excitement in the air that I haven’t seen in years. Particularly given the latest Chicago buzz, I do believe that the powers-that-be chose correctly: Jaap is the finest kind. Dallas should enjoy his leadership as long as it lasts.
