I am often critical of Israel’s policies when in the country, but then feel defensive of them when overseas. – Zubin Mehta
I wish that only three residents of Tel Aviv could see what conditions on the West Bank are like. Living in such proximity, most Israelis have no idea about the adversity on the West Bank. – Zubin Mehta
I’m hopeful that Israelis can go to Ramallah whenever they want and see how the people are living. – Zubin Mehta
An American orchestra doesn’t want to play more than it has to. I respectfully disagree with that attitude. – Zubin Mehta
I’m very much tied to the state of Israel, but I am against their policy of settlements in Palestine. – Zubin Mehta
If North American musicians would only know how uncomfortable life is for European musicians. – Zubin Mehta
Though there is such a rich tradition of culture and arts, I have never been invited to perform at a concert in South India. – Zubin Mehta
I miss the standard of the New York Philharmonic’s playing very much. It has certainly been a high point in my life. – Zubin Mehta
American musicians are very giving – they have the highest standard in the world – but they are also very demanding in their conditions. – Zubin Mehta
Israel gives the West Bank water twice a week! One way of promoting good would be not to ration water. – Zubin Mehta
I love rap because it talks about pain that comes authentically from the ghetto. It moves me. – Zubin Mehta
It seems always to have been difficult to have been a New York Philharmonic conductor because of the nature of New York. We are in direct competition with the great orchestras in the world who come to play in our hall or in Carnegie, and we are constantly compared. I think that ‘s a good thing. – Zubin Mehta
As soon as, say, Saddam Hussein started bombing Israel with Scuds, everyone was like, ‘Poor Israel.’ But when Israel retaliates – and most of the time they then win – people turn against them. – Zubin Mehta
You might say that Richard Wagner was the Queen Victoria of Europe. He had musical children everywhere! – Zubin Mehta
I knew at university that medicine was just not for me. I saved many lives by not being a doctor! – Zubin Mehta
