Celebrate legendary conductor Zubin Mehta's 90th birthday in 2026 in Mumbai with these performances

Zubin Mehta performs with the Symphony Orchestra of India at the NCPA earlier this year. File pic

If you are a fan of Western Classical music, you might want to begin 2026 not with a bang, but with soulful harmonies. Iconic conductor Zubin Mehta turns 90 on April 29, 2026, and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation (MMMF) will host two concerts in his honour for Mumbai's Western Classical music aficionados, in honour of this milestone.

Lang Lang. Pics courtesy/@langlangpiano, patric leo, @pinkyzukerman

Israeli-American violinist and violist Pinchas Zukerman will take centre stage with his fiddle on the first evening. Renowned for his musical craftsmanship, Zukerman is a special guest, with years of collaborations with Mehta. Performing the night after Zukerman, is Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who was mentored by the expressive conductor. Both musicians will be joined by the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, in their Mumbai debut.

Considered a leading orchestra in Europe, the group is a crucial part of Mehta's journey, having been part of one of Mehta's first few professional performances in 1958. "We feel very privileged to celebrate [Zubin's] 90th birthday with the orchestra and two extraordinary soloists - it can't get better than this!" remarks Mehroo Jeejeebhoy, founder, MMMF.

Pinchas Zukerman

The programme on the first night comprises Romanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok, performed by students of the foundation, Violin Concerto No. 5 by Mozart, and Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" by Beethoven. The second night features Lang Lang executing Mozart's Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, along with Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" and Symphony No. 7.

ON January 15 and 16; 6.30 pm
AT NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com (Box Office opens today)
ENTRY Rs 2000 onwards