The World Zarathushti Symphony Orchestra (WZSO), founded by Farobag Homi Cooper and Cyrus Mehta, made its début at the 2000 World Congress in Houston. Featuring a unique mixture of young and seasoned professionals, the WZSO is now a regular highlight at Congresses.
The World Zarathushti Symphony Orchestra’s performances at FEZANA and World Congresses are always proclaimed as highlights. Although we are pleased, I believe its entertainment value – much desired and appreciated – is a by-product.
More than simply an ensemble of Zarathushtis, the WZSO’s aims are somewhat loftier. It strives to enhance the cultural atmosphere during Congresses; but also serves as a conduit for amateurs and aspiring professionals to gain unique experiences and perceptions that develop only through performing with a professional orchestra. After all, where else can our Zarathushti musicians have the opportunity to sit side-by-side with members of the Houston Symphony, Chicago Philharmonia or Toronto Philharmonic?
For more advanced participants, another advantage is the possibility to perform as a concerto soloist. Few young musicians of any religious affiliation have the privilege to be accompanied by a professional symphony orchestra. The WZSO is not only a showcase for introducing talented Zarathushti musicians to the community, but is now also a springboard for gaining the added confidence requisite for success.
Indeed, I am particularly delighted and proud to hear that Mahfrin Santoke, who performed with the WZSO at the World Congress in Houston at the tender age of 13, is now completing her B.M. requirements for a double major in flute performance and music education. Other Zarathushti soloists with the WZSO who have emerged within the music profession include Jamshed Turel, Dinyar Vania, Sorab Wadia and composer Parizad Irani.
Although it is gratifying, the WZSO does not set its sights on producing professional musicians. Yet the orchestra certainly embraces the ideals that contribute towards excellence – and not just success – which can be ever so fleeting. Music – alongside medicine, law, and theology – is one of the cornerstones of the Western intellectual tradition. Exposure to music builds strength, discipline, perseverance, and ultimately creativity, which is the hallmark of excellence. These attributes are the building blocks of character. It is our character, individually and collectively, which will help define our heritage towards its rightful place in society.
As an ardent supporter of the performing arts, I cannot belabor the need to establish similar ventures in literary and creative arts as well. We need to lobby constructively for all Zarathushti artists to gain wider acknowledgment and support through FEZANA, WZCC and other Zarathushti cultural institutions, associations and publications; and to foster collaboration amongst ourselves. Ultimately, the choice will rest with these organizations: either to be emboldened and forge ahead, paving a path for future generations of Zarathushtis via exemplification; or to be content with our glorious past and merely create room for nostalgia.
Farobag Homi Cooper is music director of the Chicago Philharmonia, the Chicago Performing Artists Series and the WZSO. An educator, motivational speaker and a Reiki master, he believes in creating abundance from the inside out, and has given his heart and soul to assist FEZANA and other Zarathushti causes.
World Zarathushti Symphony Orchestra members since inception:
Artin Aidun, USA
Bahman Arian, Canada
Darius Bagli, Canada
Nousheen Bastani, Canada
Sharon Batlivalla, Canada
Kobad Bhavnagri, Australia
Simonil Bhavnagri, Australia
Tina Cavyan, USA
Piroozi Cooper, USA
Ayesha Dastur, USA
Zeena Dotiwalla, Canada
Arshish Dua, USA
Ayesha Dua, USA
Pratik Gandhi, Canada
Liley Gheewalla, USA
Roxana Godiwalla, USA
Tinaz Godiwalla, USA
Tara Jamshidian, USA
Navaz Jasavala, USA
Fareesh Kanga, USA
Hormuzd Kanga, USA
Roshni Kapadia, USA
Susan Karani, USA
Firdosh Khambatta, USA
Dilshad Khambatta, USA
Zubin Khambatta, USA
Yazad Lala, USA
Armaity May, USA
Adil Mehta, USA
Cyrus Mehta, USA
Freddy Mirza, Canada
Anita Parakh, Australia
Deena Patel, USA
Dilshad Patel, USA
Meher Pavri, Canada
Anita Rao, USA
Hanoz Santoke, USA
Mahfrin Santoke, USA
Amy Suratia, United Kingdom
Phiroze Titina, USA
Jamshed Turel, USA
Dinyar Vania, USA
Sorab Wadia, USA
Darius Weil, USA
Delna Weil, USA
