A Close Encounter with Jaap van Zweden

Funny thing about preconceptions. Take mine, for instance, about Jaap van Zweden, the acclaimed music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and perhaps the most sought-after U.S. conductor these days. After reading about his larger-than-life prowess with a baton–and seeing all those banners emblazoned with his mug around town–I figured him for a hulking, towering presence, the biggest guy in the room. So what a surprise to see before last night’s concert at the Meyerson that Jaap (pronounced like yap) is diminutive in physical stature, maybe 5-feet-6 tops. But he’s a giant in charm and tact, especially dealing with a nosy reporter. Isn’t it a grind commuting between here and Europe, where he’s also chief conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmoic in Antwerp, Belgium? “Going back and forth is not so bad, but it’s the cities in between–like London–that can be tiring,” he answered. And, what’s it like being “the” musical conductor of the moment? “I’m flattered and honored,” Jaap replied. “And it inspires me to do better.” No surprise that the guy who makes beautiful music makes beautiful words, too.