By Jaideep Sarin, IANS
Chandigarh : The British police are coming to India and that should be music to many ears. The force’s highly acclaimed orchestra has three performances lined up in Mumbai, Agra and Delhi next month.
The British Police Symphony Orchestra (BPSO), which arrives in India Feb 17, is particularly excited about its concert to be held during the Taj Mahotsava at one of the world’s seven wonders – the Taj Mahal in Agra.
One of the much lauded amateur orchestras in Britain which has done several performances in the United Kingdom and northern Europe, this unique orchestra comprises men and women who either work for the British police or have close connections with the police forces.
“An evening with the BPSO has something for everyone and the audiences can be assured of a polished performance, whatever their taste. The orchestra is accomplished at performing a vast range of music, including film scores, music from the shows, choral works and modern music, as well as orchestral symphonic classics,” said British police chief constable (police chief) Timothy Brain, who is chairman of the BPSO.
“Performances by the orchestra combine high quality musicianship with a varied programme with excellent value for money, guaranteeing an enjoyable and memorable night out.
“Members give their own time for rehearsals and performances that are necessary to meet the very high standards that are required of the orchestra. The BPSO has gone from strength to strength since its formation in 1989. In addition to delighting audiences with performances of classical and light music, the orchestra generously supports a variety of charities around the United Kingdom,” Brain pointed out.
The BPSO will perform at Mumbai’s Tata Auditorium Feb 19 followed by its performance at the Taj Mahotsava Feb 21 and its final concert at New Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium Feb 23.
“This concert tour is the most ambitious project undertaken by us. The BPSO is particularly excited about appearing at the Taj Mahotsava, which is clearly a great honour and will, I am sure, be an evening to remember for all concerned. We are very excited about the prospect of performing in your beautiful country at some prestigious and beautiful venues in major historical cities,” Brain said.
The BPSO is being brought to India for the concerts in collaboration with Mayor of Gloucestershire Harjit Gill – a former native of Dakoha village on the periphery of Jalandhar city in Punjab.
“Members of the orchestra are very excited about the tour and especially about performing at the Taj Mahal. We are hoping that they will get a good response from the Indian audiences as well,” Gill told IANS from his Gloucester office.
Gill had, over a decade ago, brought a British police hockey team for matches with Indian teams.
The BPSO has performed at major venues like Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, The Royal Albert Hall at London, Barbican and Fairfield Halls in London, Manchester’s Free Trade Hall and the Colston Hall in Bristol. It has also performed in some of Britain’s most prominent cathedrals, including those at Coventry, Lichfield and Bristol.