Zubin Mehta

Zubin Mehta , 1936-, Indian conductor. Son of the violinist Mehli Mehta, founder and conductor of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, Mehta studied medicine for two years before continuing the family's musical tradition. After two years of study at the Vienna Music Academy, he won first prize at the International Conducting Competition in Liverpool, England, in 1958. Master of a flamboyant style, Mehta specializes in late romantic and early modern symphonic repertoire and in opera. He has served as director of the Montreal Symphony (1961-67), the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra (1962-78), the New York Philharmonic (1978-91), and the Israel Philharmonic (1977-).

Mehta, Zubin (b Bombay, 1936). Indian conductor, violinist, and pianist. Son of Mehli Mehta (b Bombay, 1908), founder of Bombay SO and at one time violinist in Hallé Orch. before settling in USA. Won first prize, Liverpool int. cond. comp. 1958, this leading to guest engagements throughout world. Amer. début 1960 (Philadelphia Orch.). Mus. dir.: Montreal SO 1961–7; Los Angeles PO 1962–77; NYPO 1978–91; Israel PO from 1977; Bavarian State Opera from 1998. Opera début Montreal 1964. Salzburg Fest. 1962; NY Met 1965; CG 1977.