The Military Bands in the City Parks Won the 2024 Grant Competition by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives

The Military Bands in the City Parks became winners of the 2024 Grant Competition by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, giving the project an opportunity to step out of its traditional boundaries. Now, not only Moscow, but also Saint Petersburg will have a chance to witness some of the best music ensembles of the Russian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. Up to late September, military wind bands will stage as many as 22 concerts in both cities.

Since 2016, enjoying the long-standing support of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Military Band Service of the Russian Armed Forces, the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival has been carrying on its activities to revive one the most charming traditions of the past, with military bands performing in the city’s parks and gardens, squares and lanes, and other important venues.

Winning the grant competition will allow the Military Bands in the City Parks to step out of the box and go as far as Saint Petersburg. Thus, in 2024 not only guests and residents of Moscow and its environs but also of the northern capital of Russia will be enjoying quality music, lively dances and positive vibes filling in the city’s outdoor venues.

“The Military Bands in the City Parks is not just a random project. It has already become a good tradition and important instrument of promoting Russia’s cultural, historical and patriotic values as well as its major accomplishments. It’s part of our identity to preserve and carry on Russia’s rich cultural heritage, and be proud of our great composers, conductors and musicians. Eleven concerts in Moscow and eleven performances in Saint Petersburg by some of the country’s best military bands are awaiting guests and residents of both cities”, noted Mr Sergey Smirnov, head of the project.

The project, in essence, is a series of concerts staged by bands representing Russia’s military and law enforcement agencies, with performances taking place on weekends onsite different outdoor venues for free allowing all the audiences in.

Each season’s line-up and program are carefully put together by Major General Timofey Mayakin, Music Director of the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo and Head of the Military Band Service of the Russian Armed Forces.