Zubin Mehta Conducts Belgrade Philharmonic

Zubin Mehta conducted the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra on October 23rd, despite recent health issues that led to cancellations in Florence, Vienna, Munich, and Israel.

The concert at the Kolarac Grand Concert Hall was sold out, with people sitting on the floor and stairways. Mehta, who is 90 years old, was wheeled onto the stage and required assistance to stand for ovations.

The orchestra has been going through a difficult period since the death of Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz a year ago, with Acting General Manager Bojan Suđić being deeply unpopular among the musicians due to his political links.

Despite these challenges, the concert was a success, with Mehta leading the orchestra through performances of Schibert's 3rd symphony, Richard Wagner's 'Rienzi' overture, and Dvořák's 7th symphony. The orchestra's virtuosity and Mehta's intuitive understanding of the music shone through despite his physical limitations.