New York Philharmonic taps Dutchman Jaap van Zweden as head conductor

Dutch conductor and violinist Jaap van Zweden was appointed the new head conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the orchestra announced on Wednesday. He starts his new job in 2018, NU reports. Van Zweden, 55, will be succeeding American Alan Gilbert, who held the position since 2009. "This is one of the happiest days of my life", the Dutchman said in a statement. "My heart is overflowing, and my family and I are looking forward to moving to New York." Van Zweden currently leads the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.