A 60-member orchestra comprising police musicians from forces across Britain is due to arrive in India next week for performances in Mumbai, Agra and New Delhi.
The India visit of the British Police Symphony Orchestra has been organised by staff from the police forces of Gloucestershire, West Midlands and the Metropolitan Police.
The visit has also been facilitated by the Indian-origin Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester Harjit Gill.
Britain's police forces interact with Indian police at various levels, but this is the first time in recent years that a British orchestra will be on the musical beat in India.
The BPSO, which is scheduled to arrive in India on February 17, will perform at the Tata Auditorium in Mumbai on February 19, at the 'Taj Mahotsav' in Agra on February 21 and at a private reception on February 23 in New Delhi for the British High Commissioner Richard Stagg.
Speaking to newspersons before leaving for India, Gloucestershire Police Chief Timothy Brain, who is BPSO chairman, said: "I am thrilled that we have been able to organise this once-in-a lifetime tour which has been two years in the planning.
We are particularly excited at the prospect of playing at the Taj Mahotsav festival, which is held close to the Taj Mahal, as it will be a first for a foreign orchestra."
The orchestra has performed in several places in the UK and Europe, and comprises men and women who either work for the British police or have close connections with the police forces.
Members of the orchestra first met in Birmingham in October 1989, and soon secured the patronage of violin legend Yehudi Menuhin.
The BPSO comprises more than 75 dedicated musicians representing the majority of the UK's 45 constabularies.
They travel at their own expense to attend monthly weekend rehearsals.
The orchestra prides itself on the quality of its performance and each member is an accomplished musician in his or her own right, often playing with other orchestras or groups elsewhere.
The musicians do not receive any financial reward from their participation in the BPSO although the orchestra employs a professional conductor and soloists.
