After an illustrious tenure, Jaap van Zweden is stepping down as the music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil). Known for his dedication to excellence, van Zweden compares the transformation he has witnessed in the orchestra to driving a high-performance Ferrari. In his parting thoughts, he reflects on the flexibility playing Wagner has given the orchestra, discusses his approach to improving rather than firing players, and shares his one regret: never having staged a Mozart opera.
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Van Zweden’s impact on the HK Phil is undeniable. Throughout his tenure, he focused on pushing the boundaries and encouraging the orchestra to reach new heights. He points out that one of the most significant achievements of his time with the HK Phil is their ability to perform Wagner’s complex compositions with great flexibility and precision. This newfound agility and prowess have elevated the orchestra’s performance, making them akin to a finely-tuned sports car. ‘Playing Wagner is like driving a Ferrari; it requires skill, concentration, and an understanding of the machine’s capabilities,’ he says.
His analogy of the orchestra as a Ferrari doesn’t end with Wagner. Van Zweden has always emphasized the importance of versatility and adaptability in musicianship. During his tenure, he aimed to foster an environment where each player could thrive and develop their unique talents. ‘Improving the musicians was always more important than firing them,’ he explains. His belief in nurturing growth over replacement has led to substantial improvement in the ensemble’s overall performance standards.
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Under his guidance, the HK Phil has undertaken numerous ambitious projects that have pushed both the musicians and the organization to excel. From performing large-scale works to collaborating with world-renowned soloists, van Zweden’s tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. He has had the vision to see potential and the patience to develop it. This approach has not only garnered accolades for the orchestra but has also instilled a deeper sense of confidence and cohesion among its members.
Despite the numerous successes, van Zweden admits to having one significant regret. ‘If there’s one thing I wish I had done, it’s putting on a Mozart opera,’ he confides. Mozart’s operas are celebrated for their intricate beauty and emotional depth, and he believes that staging one would have been a highlight for the orchestra. Nevertheless, he takes solace in knowing that he is leaving behind a stronger and more versatile orchestra, well-equipped to tackle such productions in the future.
Looking back, van Zweden feels immense pride in the transformation he has witnessed at the HK Phil. ‘Watching the orchestra grow and evolve has been incredibly fulfilling,’ he reflects. He is confident that the orchestra will continue to build on the foundation he has helped to lay. He expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has had in Hong Kong and praises the dedication and hard work of his colleagues and the musicians.
As he prepares to hand over the baton, van Zweden leaves behind an orchestra that is more flexible, dynamic, and prepared for future challenges than ever before. The HK Phil has not just survived his tenure; it has thrived under his leadership. His legacy is one of holistic development, where the focus on continuous improvement and artistic exploration has set the stage for sustained excellence. In his parting words, he encourages the orchestra to continue pushing their boundaries and to embrace the spirit of innovation and creativity.
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