BSF orchestra enthrals Delhi

The 16th century Purana Quila came alive when a symphonic orchestra comprising musicians from BSF bands thrilled an audience that included Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

The performance on Saturday, the first by the orchestra, featured a mix of Indian and Western classical music interspersed with popular tunes. The musicians had the audience mesmerised for over an hour with 14 compositions.

The performance spanned a range of genres, from the evergreen Blue Danube waltz to the lively Marriette Polka. The softly lit backdrop was the ideal setting for the La Paloma serenade and Celine Dion’s ‘My heart will go on.’

The orchestra proved its versatility as it performed Indian ragas and compositions by Louis Banks and Pandit Ronu Mazumdar with equal ease. The evening came to close with a medley of patriotic songs followed by the National Anthem.

“These men have no formal training in music. They are constables who carry out their regular duties and are drawn from different BSF bands across the country,” said BSF Director General AK Mitra, while congratulating the orchestra for its flawless performance.