Hitting the high notes for world peace

Playing the bars on the violin are as much of an exhilaration for Zubin Behramkamdin as is being a lawyer on the bar. And now Zubin, who practises as a council in the Bombay High Court, has been invited as the only Indian representative to play the violin at the World Peace Orchestra.
The orchestra which shows that musicians can come together to make a statement for world peace, will have two concerts - the first at St Petersburg today and then at Moscow on May 10.
"Though earlier I''ve played with an international orchestra," says Zubin from St Petersburg, "it''s still a great feeling to be a part of the World Peace Orchestra."
The orchestra, which had its first performance in Geneva in 1995, will perform on the eve of May 9 to mark the end of the Second World War - a national holiday in Russia. He will perform along with musicians from across the world - the US, UK, Norway, Sweden, among other countries.
"Everybody is friendly, especially since there''s no large group coming in from any one country." Rehearsals are rigorous, considering the musicians practice for 5-6 hours a day. Conducted by Valery Gergiev, four pieces are scheduled to be performed - Mendelssohn''s Midsummer Night''s Dream, Richard Strauss''s Don Juan, Profokiev''s Ode to the End of the War and Stravinsky''s ballet Petrushka.
Zubin started learning the violin at the age of eight, under the tutelage of Silloo Panthaki. Since then there''s no looking back. Finding time away from gruelling schedules as a lawyer was difficult, but Zubin managed in the early hours of the morning or late at night. His efforts paid off when Zubin was selected, some years ago, to play as a guest musician at the European Commonwealth Youth Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta.
Back home, Zubin is co-leader of the Bombay Chamber Orchestra and has participated in the annual Sangat concerts, apart from teaching people to play the violin.
As for being an Indian who plays the classical violin on the international circuit, Zubin says the reaction of fellow musicians have been pretty cool.
Concludes Zubin, "Some of them are a bit surprised. But then they see you for your talents."