Born in India in 1936, he studied at the Vienna Academy of Music, and later became director of the Montreal Symphony, Los Angeles Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and Israel Philharmonic. Who is he?

This celebrated figure in classical music is indeed Zubin Mehta, and his career is a testament to a life dedicated to musical excellence. Born in Bombay, India, in 1936, his musical journey began under the tutelage of his father, Mehli Mehta, who founded the Bombay Symphony Orchestra. Mehta's path led him to the prestigious Vienna Academy of Music at the age of 18, where he honed his conducting skills. This European education laid the groundwork for a truly international career that would see him lead some of the world's most renowned orchestras.

His North American career began in earnest when he became the Music Director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from 1961 to 1967. He then took the helm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1962, a position he held until 1978. Following this, Mehta began a 13-year tenure as the Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 1978, the longest in the orchestra's history. His association with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is particularly noteworthy, beginning with guest appearances in 1961 and culminating in his appointment as Music Director for Life in 1981.

Throughout his extensive career, Mehta has been recognized not only for his powerful interpretations of large-scale symphonic works but also for his humanitarian efforts. He has received numerous awards, including the Kennedy Center Honor and has been bestowed the title of "Honorary Conductor" by several orchestras. His dedication to fostering young musical talent is evident through his work with the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation (Review) in Bombay and the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music in Tel Aviv.