Zubin Mehta - A Lifestory
Conducting Maestro, Bridging Cultures, Harmonizing The World Through Music
Zubin Mehta is a highly acclaimed Indian conductor renowned for his dynamic interpretations and charismatic presence. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1936 into a Parsi family with a musical background, his father, Mehli Mehta, was a violinist and founder of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra. Zubin initially pursued medicine but soon gravitated towards music, studying at the Vienna Academy of Music under Hans Swarowsky. His exceptional talent quickly became apparent, and he won the Liverpool International Conducting Competition in 1958, launching his international career.
Mehta's career trajectory has been marked by prestigious appointments and longlasting relationships with leading orchestras. He served as music director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (1961) and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1962), simultaneously holding both positions for a time. His tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic was particularly significant, solidifying his reputation as a major force in the classical music world. He then became music director of the New York Philharmonic in 1978, a position he held for a remarkable 13 years, the longest tenure in the orchestra's history.
Beyond his directorships, Mehta has guestconducted with virtually every major orchestra globally, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. His close association with the Israel Philharmonic is particularly noteworthy; he became their music advisor in 1969 and music director in 1977, a position he held until 2019, when he was named Music Director Emeritus. He is known for his passionate interpretations of Romantic and lateRomantic repertoire, particularly works by Mahler, Bruckner, and Strauss. Throughout his illustrious career, Mehta has received numerous awards and honors, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential conductors of the 20th and 21st centuries.
