Mehroo Jeejeebhoy, trustee with the Foundation noted, “Western classical music is best appreciated and understood when you build a culture that allows people to connect and identify themselves with it. By deepening their knowledge of this great art form, we hope to inspire a new generation of Indians to find a new way to express themselves. Western classical music on the scale of these concerts is a treat to be savoured and we look forward to sharing our love of it with the rest of the community here in Mumbai.”

Much of India’s western classical music and its patronage in the 1930s-1950s can be attributed to Mehli Mehta. He was an iconic musician, a violinist, conductor and a teacher in his own right and was instrumental in founding and leading the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, the Bombay String Quartet and later in his career, the Los Angeles-based American Youth Symphony, an organisation that continues to this day.

The Mehli Mehta Foundation, established in 1995 to renew interest in Western Classical Music in India, has grown to 250 students in just over a decade - a testament to the small but enthusiastic group of volunteers that are determined to keep Mehli Mehta’s dream alive.

Added Mrs. Jeejeebhoy, “India, as a country, has always been an ardent patron of the arts. We believe strongly that Western Classical Music can play a strong role in enriching the ability of today’s Indian youth to appreciate all musical forms.” To commemorate the occasion, Zubin Mehta also released a Special Cover in the presence of M S Bali, Chief Postmaster-General.