Across China: Legendary maestro Mehta rolls back years in China

Zubin Mehta receives an interview at the Chongqing Grand Theater in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 25, 2025. (Xinhua)

CHONGQING, July 30 (Xinhua) -- At 89, the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta has embarked on a new musical journey across China with the Florence May Musical Orchestra, reigniting emotional connections through timeless symphonies and reaffirming his enduring bond with the country.

On July 25, Mehta conducted a symphonic concert titled "Echoes of Destiny" at the Chongqing Grand Theater in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Despite appearing on stage in a wheelchair, he delivered the entire performance from memory with remarkable energy and passion, drawing thunderous applause.

Born in Mumbai of India in 1936, Zubin Mehta began his musical education under the guidance of his father and later studied in Vienna, Austria. He rose to prominence as one of the world's most influential conductors, serving as music director for prestigious orchestras.

Chongqing is a truly impressive city, said Mehta in his pre-concert interview. Though this was his first performance in Chongqing, Mehta had visited the mountainous metropolis years ago, and his return felt instantly familiar. Among the listeners were many old friends who had followed his music for decades.

"I attended his concert in Berlin 10 years ago. I never expected to see him here in Chongqing. It's such a surprise," said local attendee Cao Xin.

"I used to watch his videos on TV," said 7-year-old Wang Zimu. "Now I finally get to see the maestro in person."

Mehta's China tour began in Beijing and progressed through cities of Wuhan, Changsha and Shanghai, with each performance met with enthusiastic responses. "The Chinese are a great audience," Mehta said. "I've loved performing for Chinese audiences for many years. Their passion and attentiveness always move me."

In Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Mehta concluded his concert with the Chinese folk song "Liuyang River," prompting a round of applause when he announced the piece. After the performance, he rhythmically clapped his hands with his baton, reciprocating the audience's fervor.

Mehta's relationship with China began in 1994 when he led the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on a tour across the country. Throughout the tour, he performed at packed houses from Beijing to Shanghai. In his address during that time, Mehta expressed that performing for Chinese audiences had always been his deepest wish. He hoped this visit would mark the beginning of many more, because he knows just how much the Chinese people love music.

In 1998, Mehta collaborated with Chinese director Zhang Yimou on an outdoor production of "Turandot" in the Imperial Ancestral Temple in Beijing, which drew over 20,000 international visitors and became a landmark cultural event. "It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life," Mehta later reflected.

Since then, Mehta has conducted multiple orchestras in China, actively promoting cultural exchanges. He believes that music transcends borders and bridges cultural, linguistic and temporal divides.

On Chinese stages, he has not only showcased the beauty of Western classical music but has also highlighted the depth of Chinese culture, using his baton as a symbol of cross-cultural dialogue.

Beyond performances, Mehta is dedicated to music education. During his tour in Wuhan, he engaged with 100 young violin students, generously sharing his life experience and musical principles. "My father was a great musician and taught me everything from a young age. I hope to share my knowledge with anyone willing to listen," he said. "It is wonderful to see so many young people in China who are passionate about classical music."

For Mehta, music serves as both a universal language and a continuous link that binds him to China. With over half a century of conducting experience, he has become a living testament to the power of music beyond borders.

"You can see that there are many world-class soloists from China and new halls are being built," Mehta said. He remembers in 1994 when he was in Shanghai, there was only one small concert hall. "But now, there are opera houses, concert halls and many other things. It is inspiring."

In January 2026, he is scheduled to perform alongside Chinese pianist Lang Lang in Mumbai, continuing to narrate global stories through music. "I will return to China again," he assured. "I am still young, full of energy, patience and passion." ■

Zubin Mehta conducts a symphonic concert titled "Echoes of Destiny" at the Chongqing Grand Theater in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 25, 2025. (Xinhua)