Zubin Mehta, born in Mumbai in 1936, is a trailblazing conductor who has profoundly
impacted classical music worldwide. His pioneering spirit and musical
brilliance have made history, establishing him as one of the most influential
conductors of his time. Mehta shattered stereotypes, becoming the first
conductor of Indian descent to lead prestigious Western orchestras such as the
New York Philharmonic, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles
Philharmonic. He has been the distinguished leader of the Israel Philharmonic
Orchestra for over five decades.
Musical legacy
Zubin Mehta is celebrated for his interpretations of the Western classical repertoire, particularly magical renditions of composers like Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. He is also known for his efforts to promote cultural exchange through music.
Tuning into peace
Mehta has
leveraged the transformative power of music to bridge divides and heal wounds
with concert performances in war-torn zones,
such as Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and Kashmir.. He is a co-founder of the Mehli Mehta Music
Foundation in Mumbai, to train aspirants in Western
classical music.
An iconic overture
Zubin Mehta’s accolades are as grand as his symphonies. He has received many prestigious honours, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and an honorary membership of the Vienna State Opera. His legacy as a musical icon continues to inspire generations around the globe.