Zubin Mehta is to conduct a concert by the Bavarian State Orchestra on Saturday in a part of Kashmir which is controlled by India.
Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan. There has been an armed insurgency against Indian rule since 1989.
A BBC correspondent says security is tight in Srinagar where a large number of police and paramilitaries are deployed on the roads leading to the venue.
The event is being hosted by the German ambassador to India and is supported by the governments in Kashmir and Delhi.
The concert is in the Shalimar Gardens with the Himalayan mountains as its backdrop and 1500 guests have been invited.
In Delhi on Friday, Mehta said: "I hope to have the blessings of the people as music is the only language I know and hope to spread the message of peace with this performance."
But separatist groups say the concert in effect legitimises Delhi's rule.
