New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- At a recent Symphony Orchestra of India concert in Mumbai, the 1,000-seat auditorium was packed. There were people from all walks of life-South Mumbai residents, college students, office goers and schoolchildren-for a concert of classical compositions by western greats such as Richard Wagner, Dmitri Shostakovich and Edward Elgar.

"They are not very easy on the ears," said conductor Martyn Brabbins. Yet the members of the audience closed their eyes and felt the euphoria of the pieces.

There were several goosebump moments and the audience sat through it, applauding louder after each composition. "It was my first symphony orchestra and I was blown away," said health start-up co-founder Ajitesh Singaria, 30. "Nothing ...