The Military Bands in the City Parks carries on with its weekend music marathon, and now it’s time for Moscow’s Lublino Park to welcome the Combined Band of the Felix Dzerzhinsky Separate Operational Purpose Division of the National Guard Forces of Russia. This Saturday, August 3, musicians will treat all the visitors to a gleeful assembly of pieces by Russian and foreign authors.
Sounds of military marches and classical waltzes will give way to popular songs and
Formed by the order of the USSR Interior Ministry as part of the Felix Dzerzhinskiy Separate Special Purpose Motorized Rifle Division, the band’s history dates back to August of 1970. It’s worth noting that as the ensemble’s core lineup featured mainly conscripts, they were often engaged in performing regular military and combat duties alongside their music activities, e.g. taking part in different military ceremonies and rituals. Over the years due to hard training and arrival of new members the band’s performing skills have significantly improved.
The band’s achievement record scores participation in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1980 Olympic Games and 1984 Friendship Competition. Since 1982 the ensemble musicians have regularly been spotted among the participants of military parades on Red Square. They have always performed within the Combined Band of the Moscow Garrison and singled out for their high precision drilling skills and outstanding performance. In 1985 they were engaged in the opening and closing ceremonies of the International Students and Youth Festival as well as performed on stage at various venues in course of the event.
Nowadays the band’s record lists participation in the military parades held on Red Square as well as performances onstage of various city venues and festivals, including the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo.
Thus, we are looking forward to meeting you all this Saturday, August 3, at 4pm (16:00) in Moscow’s Lublino Park. Entrance is free.
With the ongoing support of the Russian Ministry of Defense and Moscow’s Government Department of Culture, 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 iconic spots in Moscow and its environs.
The Military Bands in the City Parks became winner 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.