Sergey Makhovikov, Honored Artist of Russia, and the Merry Notes Children's Violin Ensemble from the Luhansk People Republic will showcase their performances at the opening night of the Fifteenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival on August 26 in Moscow’s Red Square.
Today, August 25, participants of the Spasskaya Tower Festival staged a special performance for the media representatives, paving the way for the ten spectacular evening performances of the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo. The Honor Guard Unit and Military Band of the 154 Preobrazhensky Regiment had the honor to open this year’s Festival.
Members of the unit carried out the flags of the Spasskaya Tower Festival and all the services of the Russian Armed Forces. Then, Sergey Makhovikov stepped onto the cobblestones of the square to perform the song called "The Old Friend" to the poem by Evgeniy Evtushenko. In 2022, he will perform in all the Festival’s shows.
The special press event featured another surprise. The audiences were treated to the performance of young musicians from the Luhansk People's Republic. The Merry Notes Children's Violin Ensemble was formed in 2010 on the basis of the oldest music school in Lugansk, which in 2020 celebrated its centennial.
Ms. Yulia Chelysheva, Head of the Band, said that the eldest member of the ensemble was 17, while the youngest had turned 10. "We are very grateful to the Spasskaya Tower Festival Directorate for awarding our kids such an incredible experience. I’m sure that the memories will linger in our hearts and minds for good, and the children are truly enjoying themselves," shared Ms. Chelysheva's emotions.
She noted that they were very surprised to receive the invitation to become part of such a high-end event and very glad as well. "At the first rehearsal, we were very nervous and excited. But now we have set and we are very carefully and with great pleasure listening to the stage directors, "revealed the head of the Merry Notes ensemble.
Together with guests from Luhansk, another 16 Russian and foreign musical groups showcased their music and cultural presentations in Moscow’s Red Square. All the performances were warmly received and seen off with standing ovations.
As Major General Timofey Mayakin, Music Director of the Festival, Head of the Military Band Service of the Russian Armed Forces-Chief Military Conductor, noted, the concert programs prepared by the participating bands are pretty intense and won’t leave anyone untouched.
"We can say with confidence that the Fifteenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival is ready to start. The festival is first and foremost a celebration of music. Come and enjoy the show with us," concluded Timofey Mayakin.
The Festival is carried out following the Order of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, under the aegis of the Public Council headed by Mr. Alexander Zhukov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Moscow Department of Culture.
Photo: Maria Moskvitsova, Nikolay Tretyak
