March of the Soviet Militia
For a Wind Orchestra
The March was written in 1970 on the initiative of USSR Minister of Internal Affairs Nikolai Shchelokov. Shostakovich’s work was awarded the first prize at the All-Union Interior Ministry Contest for the best march for a wind orchestra.
The first performance of the March took place on 10 November 1970 in the House of Unions Hall of Columns in Moscow. N. Zolotaryov conducted the model wind orchestra of the Moscow Kremlin.