101 Quotes by Zubin Mehta

I'm a Persian Jew, and we don't speak Hebrew.

I feel that the critic and music director should have such a good relationship they can pick up the phone and call each other any time.

In truth, I became a conductor because deep down I wanted to conduct Brahms's four symphonies and Richard Strauss's tone poems.

I am jealous of all those people who live on the shore of Dal Lake.

Wagner's philosophy had absolutely nothing to do with Bruckner. Bruckner hadn't written a single word against Jews. Wagner's book on the Jews was one of the most infamous books of the 19th century.

In Bombay, we have a fine concert hall. I think it is high time we built venues in Delhi and Calcutta, not only for western music, but also Indian music. It doesn't matter which party is in power; don't you think the capital of India should have a concert hall?

Some musical directors have more chutzpah. They pick up the phone and talk people into giving. I prefer to call and say 'thank you' after the money has been contributed.

An American orchestra doesn't want to play more than it has to. I respectfully disagree with that attitude.

Even in music concerts in Mumbai and different parts of the world, seats are reserved for sponsors.