Zubin Mehta’s Kashmir Concert begins in Srinagar amid Protests

Ehsaas-e-Kashmir, the controversial concert by Music Maestro Zubin Mehta started today at Kashmir amid tight security arrangements as the separatists have boycotted the event.

Also Read : Kashmiri Separatists say no to Zubin Mehta’s Concert

The ‘Kashmir Concert’ is organised by the German Embassy and supported by Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Incredible India and several other sponsors.

The prime attraction of the concert are Conductor Zubin Mehta and “Bayerische Staatsorchester” (Bavarian State Orchestra) from Munich Germany. Both the Orchestra and the Mehta have renounced their usual fees for the concert.

The Venue of the concert is historic Shalimar Bagh at Mughal Gardens of Srinagar which is being restored to its full beauty at a whooping cost of Rs 1 Crores.

The Concert is being attended by roughly 2000 people, whereas the entry is by invitation only. However, it will be broadcast live by TV channels across India and around 50 TV Channels of Europe.

“This concert is for the people of Kashmir. Beethoven, Haydn and Tchaikovsky, played by a world acclaimed Maestro and one of the best orchestras of the world in one of the most enchanting places in the world: This is a wonderful cultural tribute to Kashmir and its warm-hearted and hospitable people”, says German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner in an earlier word with reporters.

Programme Details

Conductor: Zubin Mehta

Bayerisches Staatsorchester (Bavarian State Orchestra)

Soloists: Andreas Öttl, Julian Rachlin

Ludwig van Beethoven:
Leonore Overture Nº 3 in C major, Op. 72b

Joseph Haydn:
Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major
Soloist: Andreas Öttl

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:
Concerto for violin and orchestra in D-major, op. 35
Soloist: Julian Rachlin

Ludwig van Beethoven:
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op. 67

NOTE: The Recorded Video of the Concert is available for online viewing here.