Zubin Mehta Withdraws from Berlin Philharmonic Concerts Following Exhausting China Tour

The Berlin Philharmonic has announced a last-minute change to its upcoming concerts scheduled for March 20-22:

“It is with great regret that Zubin Mehta, due to health reasons, has been forced to cancel these performances on short notice.”

The statement does not mention that Mehta has just completed a demanding tour with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, stepping in for his ailing friend Daniel Barenboim. Turning 89 next month, Mehta had committed to these Berlin performances years ago, but he may now need to reassess his priorities.

Stepping in as his replacement is 64-year-old Sebastian Weigle, who will be making his debut with the prestigious orchestra.