BACKGROUND TO…

Zubin Mehta

(b1936)

Born in Bombay (today Mumbai), Zubin Mehta enjoyed an early musical education from his violinist father, Mehli Mehta, founder of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra. Starting young proved fruitful for the aspiring conductor, who went on to study formally in Vienna; in 1962 he would become the youngest-ever music director of a US orchestra, taking on the role at the LA Philharmonic, aged 26. In 1961 he had already begun working with the Montreal Symphony, and so presided over two North American orchestras at the same time. As well as a remarkable tenure with the

New York Philharmonic from 1978-91 (he was its longestserving music director), Mehta has enjoyed several decades associated with the

Israel Philharmonic.