In addition to the baton, a walking stick now also appears to be maestro Zubin Mehta’s constant companion. Yet his ability to draw audiences and connect with community members in different parts of the world show that he continues to be his charismatic self.
On a whistle-stop tour of Scotland, England and Australia with the Australian World Orchestra (AWO), Mehta performed at the Edinburgh International Festival on August 19, 2022. Four days later Mehta conducted the AWO as part of the annual Henry Wood Promenade Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Amongst the audience of a couple of thousands was a clear sprinkling of Zoroastrians contributing to the tumultuous applause.
Since the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) were celebrating Khordad Sal on August 21, they would have liked Mehta to join them. But since that was not possible with his tight schedule, with the persistence of ZTFE trustee and past president Rusi Dalal, a delegation from ZTFE enjoyed an exclusive audience with the conductor on the afternoon of August 22 at the BBC Studios in London. With his sharp memory of common friends and past colleagues, Mehta engaged in conversation with his peers from St Xavier’s College, Dalal and director of Cipla Dr Yusuf Hamied. "It was music to our ears to hear Zubin breaking into sweet-sounding Parsi Gujarati, which was much admired by all,” wrote Dalal reporting on the meeting.
1st row:: Zubin Mehta with Australian World Orchestra in London; far l: Mehta (seated) with Rusi Dalal (1st from l)
and delegation from Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe; 2nd row: Nancy and Zubin Mehta (5th and 6th from l)
with community members in Melbourne Photo: Sheroy Irani; 3rd row: Mehtas with the Sydney community Photo: Anya Panthaky
After the UK tour, Mehta conducted the AWO at the Hamer Hall Arts Centre in Melbourne and at the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House. On August 27, Zubin and his wife Nancy Kovack were in Melbourne to participate in the Navroz celebrations organized by the Zoroastrian Association of Victoria (ZAV). Following the traditional achhoo-michhoo welcome for the couple and for musicologist Cyrus Meher-Homji who was conferred the Order of Australia Medal in 2019, the gathering of nearly 200 attendees enjoyed an interactive session with Zubin when he happily responded to questions from the audience.
At the same event, ZAV’s long-standing member and priest for the last nearly three decades Ervad Keki Madon was felicitated for his unwavering services. Young Farron Irani sang two popular songs for the gathering, noted a report by ZAV president Khurshed Mirza in response to queries from Parsiana.
The Mehtas and the community enjoyed delectable Parsi food catered by Pazban Caterers (Pakshan, Farzana and Marzban Avari). Hampers were presented to the lucky winners of the raffle draw and everyone went home with a thank you gift from ZAV. The memorable moments were captured by Sheroy Irani. Viewing this event as "a resoundingly successful function in true Parsi style with khaavaanu (food), peevanu (drinks) and a little bit of masti (fun),” Mirza acknowledged the assistance of all the volunteers who helped behind the scenes before, during and after the function.
The ZAV committee was grieved that their secretary Sharmin Avari who was spearheading the ZAV events team and greatly instrumental in organizing this meeting with the Mehtas passed away on August 1, leaving behind a bereaved husband and two young sons. "As a committee we decided to go ahead with this event in her honor as she would not have allowed us to cancel this event that everyone had worked so hard to organize,” wrote Mirza.
On September 2, "Zubin’s performance at the Sydney Opera House was met with rave reviews. At the conclusion of the performance, the legendary conductor was awarded an honorary Companion of the Order of Australia, in recognition of his eminent service to the Australia-India bilateral relationship and humanity-at-large, particularly in the fields of classical music and philanthropy. He was presented the honor by the Governor General of Australia, David Hurley,” noted a report by Farhad Khurshed.
The following day Zubin and Nancy were amidst members of the Australian Zoroastrian Association. "After a brief introduction by vice president Sarosh Batliwalla, Zubin addressed the gathering before the floor was thrown open to attendees for questions. Zubin’s wit, candour and love for the community shone through in his answers. After fielding several questions Zubin gestured towards Nancy and said, ‘Avé éné bhi kai bolva dév (Now let her too say a few words)!’” Since Zubin had specially requested Parsi food, rice, dal, chicken, stew, and Parsi custard were served on the occasion.
As remarked AWO director Alex Briger, the conductor always enjoys connecting with Parsi communities. Following the speeches at one of the functions, Zubin is known to have enquired in Gujarati, "Havé bhonu karé avéch (When is the food coming)?”
The community in Bombay too is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Zubin who is scheduled to conduct the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) in two concerts on November 21 and 22, 2022. The concerts will be presented by the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation (MMMF) and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre.
The tickets in five denominations — Rs15,000, 12,000, 9,000, 6,000 and 3,000 (inclusive of GST) — will be available from the NCPA Box Office on October 18, 19 and 20 for MMMF patron members, Friends of the SOI and NCPA members. Beginning October 21 they will be available for the public.