Zubin Mehta says the Palau de les Arts “Reina Sofía” is a fascinating challenge for his career

26.09.2005

The prestigious conductor Zubin Mehta has said about his participation at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía that "it is a fascinating challenge for my career" and added that "I have been involved in the project from its beginnings, overseeing all the plans with the Intendant Helga Schmidt and with Maestro Lorin Maazel with whom I speak very often."
Zubin Mehta, who will be at the Palau de les Arts for three months, will inaugurate the first season of 2006-2007, in addition to presiding over the Mediterranean Festival, which coincides with the America's Cup. He will also conduct several concerts and operas at the Valencian opera house.

Mehta has stated that he is coming to the Palau de les Arts because all the conditions are in place to establish the highest level of artistic quality. "A magnificent theater, top-level artists, and a great orchestra," the conductor remarked.

In this regard, and referring to the future of the Palau de les Arts Orchestra, Mehta explained that it will be a top-level orchestra "because an orchestra that can play Wagner's Rhinegold well is an orchestra that can perform any piece of music at the highest level."

The renowned conductor, born in Bombay, is currently the Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.

Regarding the Mediterranean Festival, Maestro Mehta states, “I hope it becomes a global event. There is no other festival of this kind in May on the international music circuit, so I am convinced it will attract many tourists and music lovers from all over the world to Valencia.” For this occasion, Maestro Mehta is preparing a version of Wagner's tetralogy, The Ring of the Nibelung, with two operas opening the festival: Das Rheingold and Die Walküre.

The Bombay-born director added that, “the Mediterranean Festival is an ambitious project where we will offer a combination of operas and concerts following the Salzburg model” and highlighted the participation of La Fura dels Baus in this project, in the stage direction.

Opening concert on October 25th

Regarding the concert on October 25th, which will close the inaugural concert series, and where Maestro Mehta will conduct the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, he noted: “It will be an ideal program because this musical piece is a cry for freedom and brotherhood, which is what we need today with all the conflicts happening in the world.” The conductor added that, “the program will also feature the Valencian Community Choir and wonderful singers.”

Regarding the concert on October 25th, he also highlighted that "I am looking forward to performing the Anthem of Valencia," as the grand finale of the concert on that special day and in a magnificent theater.

Furthermore, Maestro Mehta has high expectations for the new Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. “I hope everyone will be proud of this project. I am very happy that Her Majesty Queen Sofía has lent her name to this grand and innovative idea.” Maestro Mehta also highlighted the role of Santiago Calatrava: “I can only express my gratitude to Santiago Calatrava for his inspiration. We have become great friends, we understand each other perfectly, and we advise one another.”