Today, August 28, Moscow's Red Square hosted the second show of the Fourteenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival.
From August 27 to September 5 some of the best military bands, honor guard units, music ensembles and dance companies from Russia, Belarus, Greece, Mexico and Qatar will hit the cobblestones of the main square of the country. Everyday 1200 military musicians will stage a high-end defile full of powerful marches, tender waltzes and vibrant contemporary pieces complemented by traditional dances and intricate arm drill patterns.
This year the Spasskaya Tower Festival welcomes its debutants from Qatar represented by as many as three participants – the Qatar Military Music Band, Military Parades Platoon and Police Band.
The Qatar Military Music Band was formed out of musicians that used to be part of the Al-Qirb Band, established in 1958. The ensemble includes a symphony orchestra, a cavalry unit, a folklore section and a camel unit. Let's say right away that there will be no camels on Red Square. The Qataris left them at home.
The Qatar Police Band was formed in 1950 and at the beginning featured only a section of trumpets. Since then the group has significantly evolved increasing its volume to 218 musicians on copper, rhythmic and other instruments. As the leading group of the Ministry of Interior, the band takes part in all police and civil events and ceremonies held in the State of Qatar as well as represents the country abroad.
The Qatar Military Parades Platoon is the youngest of three as it was established only in 2016 and features the best members of the Qatari Armed Forces who has excelled in their infantry training basic course. "In 2018 we began our training with the guys from Belarus", told us Captain Salem Fahad Al Habibi, Music Director of the Qatar Military Music Band. "We've started from scratch, but in three years we've managed to master our skills to the level allowing us to accompany all the state level events". According to Captain Al Habibi, they are closely following the performance of their colleagues from the Honor Guard Unit of the Belarus Armed Forces. "They are doing great. If I were to give them five, they would score six, without doubt", noted Captain Al Habibi. Answering the question about the Qatari performances, he was confident to give them a "five".
Bagpipes, drums and classic arm drill patterns, all three make part of the Qatari vibrant show that our Middle East guests have brought this year to Moscow, and of course, Katusha, the song that have already become the national symbol of the country.
The end of the second show was as usual crowned by the magnificent fireworks that lit the sky above Moscow's Red Square.
