Jaap van Zweden Dutch violinist and conductor Date of Birth: 12.12.1960 Country: Netherlands

1. The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra
2. National Violin Competition
3. Concertmaster of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
4. Conductor
5. Philharmonic Orchestras
6. New York Philharmonic Orchestra

The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra

Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu began his music education in Amsterdam under Davina van Wely. He later studied in New York with Dorothy DeLay.

National Violin Competition

In 1977, Rieu claimed victory at the Dutch Oscar Back National Violin Competition. His triumph propelled him to Amsterdam, where he became concertmaster of the Concertgebouw Orchestra just two years later.

Concertmaster of the Concertgebouw Orchestra

At the young age of 23, Rieu became the youngest concertmaster in the Concertgebouw's history. He served in this role until 1995, when he transitioned to conducting.

Conductor

Inspired by Leonard Bernstein's encouragement, Rieu initiated his conducting career in 1996. He initially led the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra in Enschede before taking the helm of the Hague Philharmonic Orchestra in 2000.

Philharmonic Orchestras

Rieu's reputation grew rapidly, and in 2005, he became the conductor of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2008, he expanded his leadership portfolio to include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the United States and the Flemish Philharmonic Orchestra in Belgium.

New York Philharmonic Orchestra

In 2016, Rieu was appointed as the music director of the prestigious New York Philharmonic Orchestra. This appointment cemented his status as one of the world's most renowned conductors.