Mehta to lead concert for captive Israeli soldier

CTVNEWS

Mehta to lead concert for captive Israeli soldier

The Associated Press Published Sunday, July 4, 2010 11:54AM EDT

Maestro Zubin Mehta conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra during the traditional New Year's concert at Vienna's Musikverein, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007. (AP / Terry Linke)

Text:

TEL AVIV, Israel - Acclaimed conductor Zubin Mehta is adding his voice to the growing chorus calling for the release of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip for the past four years.

Under Mehta's baton, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a short concert of classical and Israeli music Monday for Sgt. Gilad Schalit. The soldier's captivity has become a rallying cry for thousands of marchers making a 12-day trek across the country, demanding the government do more to secure his release.

The concert is taking place in southern Israel near the Gaza border.

Mehta said Sunday he hopes the concert will inspire Gazans to pressure the Hamas government to allow the Red Cross to visit the soldier for the first time.