This Saturday, August 31, foreign and Russian ensembles, taking part in the Sixteenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival, showcased a gasp-inducing display beneath the walls of the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces. The new venue allowed the organizers to make changes in the show program, making it more spectacular. The highlight of the day became the performance of the Police Combined Band of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The Festival has been enjoying a lot of sunny days this year, thanks to the great weather. The hot August sun shone brightly on brass instruments, epaulets and helmets of the orchestras’ players. Though the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces is situated in the Moscow region, the event attracted a large number of people, with the stands quickly getting full.
With Saturday reaching its midday, the young trumpeter started off the show. The esplanade of the Cathedral Square welcomed about thirty Russian ensembles as well as guests from Belarus, Venezuela, Guinea, Egypt, China, Thailand, Turkey and South Africa. Unfolding against the gorgeous Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces, both Russian and foreign artistic teams brought vivid vibes, stunning colors, unique national traditions and rich heritage, having proved that music has no boundaries.
The Combined Police Band of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs joined by the artistic team recreated their night show but with several unusual twists. Representing Moscow police, the band decided to go for a repertoire encompassing songs about Russia’s capital and their service.
To the song “The Return of Mukhtar,” the dog handlers and their four-pawed colleagues showed off various dances and exercises, receiving standing ovations. Modern and popular hits made the stands both moved and moving. But the sweetest moment of the show was when the servicemen of the Moscow Central Canine Service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs carried out puppies in their arms, who in future will be out there performing their duties.
The South African Air Force Band, the Amazons of Guinea and the Great Military Band of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela paid tribute to their folklore traditions and national customs through dances, vivid tunes and cheerful vibes.
Exploring the legends and traditions, the Benchamatheputhit Phetchaburi School Marching Band from Thailand narrated the story of the traditional Muay Thai martial art, while the Exemplary Band of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus presented an authentic Belarusian medley.
The piercing sounds of the Chinese big drums, the enchanting sounds of the Egyptian flute and renowned Russian classics engulfed the esplanade of the Cathedral Square.
Making their Tattoo debut on the Cathedral Esplanade, the Admiralty Band of the Leningrad Naval Base and the 23d Military Band of the Leningrad Military District wowed the crowds with a musical performance depicting stories about the charming city of Saint Petersburg. The stands immediately recognized and picked various popular songs, while the musicians were forming several intricate patterns including a ship and anchor, an airplane, a star and a tank.
The Combined Band of the Emergencies Ministry of Russia appeared on the esplanade dressed in historical uniforms of firefighters to the stern and valiant sounds of the March of the Arctic. The ensemble put on an open-ground or platz concert featuring different regrouping patterns, including the well-known ‘Z’ sign. Hence, the musicians decided to pay homage to all the military personnel and all those taking part in the special military operation.
The Central Military Band of the Russian Ministry of Defense as usual stole the stage and everyone's attention. Musicians presented a brilliantly put together open ground or platz concert, however with a traditional twist. This time it was the choice of repertoire featuring a vibrant medley of popular children songs about friendship. The Central Military Band performance was all about positive music and lively dances.
The Cathedral Square also welcomed the Suvorov Cadet Band of the Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov Moscow Military Music School, together with the Girl Drummers Band of the All-Girls Boarding School of the Russian Ministry of Defense. These young boys and girls are always winning the crowds and have become the Spasskaya Tower Festival all-time favorites.
As per Festival tradition, a compelling medley of the world renowned classics was performed by the tatoo’s combined band which, with Major General Timofey Mayakin, Music Director of the Festival and Chief Military Conductor of Russia, on its helm. To the sounds of standing ovations and emotionally evoking Farewell of Slavianka musicians and artists left the square, calling it a day.
The Spasskaya Tower Festival is being 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, and enjoying the long-standing support of the Russian MoD, MFA and Moscow’s Department of Culture.
This year’s Festival is being carried out with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives that upholds the most creative and relevant artistic and cultural projects.
Tickets for the Tattoo are available via the Festival official website (www.spasstower.ru) and the Festival’s ticket office on Manezhnaya Square near the 1812 War Museum. The ticket office is open daily, from 12 am to 9 pm.
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