The Vienna Philharmonic recently announced that Zubin Mehta will conduct the New Year's Concert in 2015. A statement on the orchestra's website announced: "With this new invitation, the orchestra pays tribute not only to one of the leading conductors of our time, but also to the great humanist, Zubin Mehta."
Mehta is well-known for his humanitarian efforts, including his work with the Israel Philharmonic to promote peace in the region.
He gave a controversial concert for peace in Kashmir last September, despite protests from Kashmiri separatists, in an area that is controlled by the Indian government.
Every year, the Philharmonic chooses a high-profile guest conductor to lead the traditional New Year's celebration. This will be the fifth time that Maestro Mehta has ascended the podium. He previously conducted in 1990, 1995, 1998 and 2007.
The annual concert is a New Year's Day tradition that has become one of the most-watched classical music events on television worldwide. The 2014 New Year's Concert, led by Daniel Barenboim, was televised in over 90 countries. The concert was recorded by Sony Classical, and the planned release date is January 13.
The Philharmonic actually presents several New Year's concerts, which are so popular that tickets are distributed according to a lottery system. Registration for the drawing of tickets for the 2015 New Year's Concert has already started, and will continue until January 23.
