MUMBAI: India-born western classical music maestro Zubin Mehta was today honoured with the prestigious Israeli Presidential Award of Distinction for his contribution to the Israeli society.
The Israeli award equivalent of the French Legion of Honour or the Order of Canada, was presented to the conductor by Israeli President Shimon Peres at a ceremony organized at his official residence.
The Presidential Medal of Distinction is awarded to individuals and organizations that have made unique and outstanding contributions to Israeli society and to humanity in any variety of fields.
Related Post
Mehta, 76, is an Indian Parsi conductor of western classical music. He is the music director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Mumbai-born Mehta, has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India`s second highest civilian honour. At the Israel Prize ceremony in 1991, Mehta was awarded a special prize in recognition of his unique devotion to Israel and to the Orchestra. Earlier this year, Mehta was also honoured with grand cross order of merit.
He became the orchestra’s music adviser in 1969, its musical director in 1977 and was appointed music director for life in 1981. He was also the longest-serving director of the New York Philharmonic.
Mehta said, “To be given a hug by President Peres is already my award. There is no greater friend of India in Israel than Shimon Peres. What Israel has given me in the last 50 years, I can only give back by having my musicians night after night play their hearts out all over the world.”
Peres said, “Zubin you came here to conduct an orchestra but you became the conductor of our hearts. You know I can’t think of anybody else who has offered such a unique contribution to our country, to our people and to our mood. You have shown leadership, a leader was born to elate the spirit and the hopes of the people. You and the orchestra carried a flag of friendship across the world and represented our country in an unbelievable manner.”
Being the first non-Jew to receive the honour, Mehta now joins an influential list of awardees including former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Judith Feld Carr – a Canadian-Jewish musician and human rights activist who helped smuggle thousands of Jews out of Syria, the Rashi Foundation – a non-governmental organization, Chabad Rabbi Adin Even Yisrael and attorney Uri Slonim.
