This Saturday, May 18, the Museum and Cathedral Complex of the Russian Armed Forces in Kubinka, nearby Moscow, welcomed the grand opening of the eighth Military Bands in the City Parks season. Throughout the summer, enchanting wind melodies will engulf parks and gardens in Moscow and its environs, paving the way for the Sixteenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Tattoo. Following orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year’s Festival will unfold on Red Square from August 28 to September 1.
The first concert of the Military Bands in the City Parks season featured a plethora of surprises. The guests were treated to a performance by the Central Band of the Russian Navy, named after Nikolai
Then the grand opening ceremony began, presenting performance by the combined band and the renowned Mikhail Glinka’s Glory, Vasily Agapkin’s Farewell of Slavianka, and Viktor Runov’s The Metropolitan March.
“I’m glad to welcome you all here today. In 2022, we for the first time gave start to the program on the esplanade of the Main Cathedral, and it’s become a good tradition since. I’d like to acknowledge the major support provided to us by the museum’s leadership. It’s due to the Spasskaya Tower Festival Directorate’s extensive efforts that the program once saw light and it has been successfully carried on. The program record tracks more than 80 concerts, over 50 participating military bands, and as many as 200 thousand guests so far. I thank you all, our dear audiences, for joining us every year and spending weekends with us. We are glad to see you all and hear your ovations today. We are here for you”, highlighted Major General Timofey Mayakin, Music Director of the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo and Head of the Military Band Service of the Russian Armed Forces.
Mr. Vladislav Pedenko, Director of the Russian Armed Forces Museum and Cathedral Complex, also addressed the audiences welcoming the start of the project. “Kicking off today onsite this significant for all the military personnel place, the project will become an outstanding preface for the Spasskaya Tower Festival”, noted Mr. Pedenko.
As for Mr. Sergey Smirnov, Head of the Spasskaya Tower International Cultural Center and member of the Festival’s Public Council, he observed that the program was not just about entertainment but also encouraged patriotic upbringing and culture among Russian society. “The challenging times we are living nowadays bring to the forefront the importance of safeguarding our culture, music and traditions, and the project gives us a perfect opportunity. We have so many great music pieces that are worth hearing by a vast audience. Over the years thousands of people have become truly attached to our music marathon, and this year as usual we are looking forward to meeting you all. Join us and bring your friends and families along”, shared Mr. Smirnov.
Following the official part all the guests had a chance to witness the stunning performance of the Suvorov Cadet Band of the Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov Moscow Military Music College, the usual headliner and showstopper of the Spasskaya Tower Festival. These young and incredibly talented musicians performed both classical and popular compositions to a standing ovation.
With the ongoing support of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Organizing Committee of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Tattoo continues its efforts to revive one of the most charming traditions of the past, with military bands performing in parks and gardens, streets and alleys, and other important spots in Moscow and its environs. Each season’s