World-Famous Conductor Accused of Inappropriate Behavior: 'Screams at You Like You're a Child'

At several orchestras where Jaap van Zweden conducted, there was a 'pattern of fear', the investigative editors of the television program Pointer found.

From its own investigation by the journalistic platform Pointer it appears that several orchestras led by Jaap van Zweden have had to deal with transgressive behavior. The Dutch conductor has responded extensively to the allegations and says he is shocked by the image that is being painted of him.

The top conductor is shocked by the allegations, his spokesperson told NOS.

The Netherlands' most successful conductor, Jaap van Zweden, has been guilty of transgressive behavior at several orchestras over the past 25 years. Dozens of sources from home and abroad tell the investigative program Pointer that the conductor insulted, belittled and intimidated musicians in front of colleagues. Orchestra directors are familiar with the stories, but usually did not intervene, as the broadcast shows.

Musicians from orchestras with conductor Jaap van Zweden speak out about inappropriate behaviour and a ‘pattern of fear’

In several orchestras conducted by Jaap van Zweden, inappropriate behaviour occurred. This is evident from research by Pointer based on interviews with musicians and insiders.||In several orchestras conducted by Jaap van Zweden, inappropriate behaviour occurred. This is evident from research by Pointer (KRO-NCRV) based on interviews with dozens of musicians and other insiders. They speak of a pattern of fear in places where the most famous Dutch…

According to the research program Pointer, in several orchestras where Jaap van Zweden was the conductor, there has been transgressive behavior. This conclusion is based on conversations with dozens of musicians and other insiders.