Jaap van Zweden Responds to Allegations of Abusive Behaviour in Orchestras

Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden has responded publicly to serious allegations of workplace misconduct raised by more than 50 anonymous musicians and staff members across several orchestras where he has held leadership roles. The accusations, published following an investigation by Dutch journalistic programme Pointer, describe a working environment marked by fear, verbal abuse, and emotional pressure.

The musicians, many of whom chose to remain anonymous out of fear for their careers, described van Zweden’s leadership style as intimidating and emotionally taxing. Some reported being shouted at or publicly humiliated during rehearsals, while others said the stress of working with him caused lasting mental health issues. One U.S.-based musician recalled being yelled at “like a four-year-old.” Several respondents said they had taken sick leave or resorted to medication to cope with the anxiety provoked by the work environment.

Although some orchestra administrations were reportedly aware of the situation informally, no formal complaints had been filed, often due to fears of professional retaliation or reputational harm.

In a statement to the press, van Zweden expressed shock at the portrayal of his leadership. “It touches me deeply,” he said, “because a conductor must always be able to feel his orchestra.” While acknowledging that he is known for setting high standards and sometimes using a strong tone in rehearsal, he denied any intent to create a culture of fear. “I always wanted the best for the music and the orchestra,” he said.

Van Zweden is widely recognised as one of the most prominent conductors from the Netherlands. He began his career as concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam before transitioning to conducting. Over the past decades, he has held chief conductor roles with major ensembles including the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic. He currently leads the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and is set to take over as music director of the Orchestre National de France.

The Pointer report has sparked fresh debate in the classical music world about leadership culture, artistic pressure, and the boundaries between discipline and psychological harm. While no official disciplinary action has yet been taken, the volume and consistency of the testimonies have prompted calls for further inquiry and institutional accountability.

As the discussion continues, van Zweden’s future with upcoming appointments and his legacy in the orchestral world may come under closer scrutiny.