German honour for Zubin Mehta

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) India-born Western classical music maestro Zubin Mehta will be honoured by Germany with its grand cross order of merit by new German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner here next week.

"Next weekend, I will bestow the commander's cross of the order of merit on maestro Zubin Mehta, who will come to India for this purpose," Steiner, who had presented his credentials to President Pratibha Patil only this week, told reporters here Saturday.

Describing Mehta as "a true world citizen," Seiner said the music genius has made "enormous contribution" in the field of classical music and to India-Germany bilateral relationship.

Mumbai-born Mehta, 76, has already been conferred the Padma Bhushan, India's second highest civilian honour.