When talking about the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival, it’s almost impossible to forget about one of its most prominent icons, namely the Central Military Band of the Russian Ministry of Defense. In 2025, the
The Central Military Band always takes part in all major political, social and cultural events of Russia, including state official ceremonies and military parades on Red Square. With all dignity and respect the ensemble represents glorious Russian military music traditions both at home and abroad. It can also be spotted among participants of the biggest international music festivals.
As if conquering the hearts and minds of audiences both in Russia and abroad is not enough, these magnificent musicians are putting together an exciting show act to further solidify their huge fans’ pool all around the globe.
Colonel Sergey Durygin, Head of the Central Military Band, revealed that his ensemble had already begun preparing for the Spasskaya Tower Festival. “It’s one of the most prominent and beloved projects for us. Hence, every year we are pondering over new ideas and have never gone repetitive”, highlighted Colonel Durygin. Though, when asked about this year’s story, he preferred not to disclose it. “Let’s keep a secret and encourage our guests to visit the Festival to unveil it themselves”, said one of the best military artists of Russia.
Nevertheless, Colonel Durygin met us halfway divulging some of the
According to him, that work was crucial in terms of getting ready for the Festival as all the performers arrived in Moscow just a few days before the tattoo’s start and had almost no time for proper rehearsals. “But with scores recorded they have plenty of time to do their homework and arrive ready for action”, pointed out Colonel Durygin.
Founded in 1927, the Central Military Band of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is the leading creative group of the Russian Armed Forces as well as one of the world’s renowned military ensembles. It features two major independent branches — the wind and symphonic departments that in turn include a string quartet, a big band, a Jazz band, and a brass quintet.
The band’s repertoire is very versatile, from traditional military marches and compositions to classical and popular music pieces by Russian and foreign authors. The band recorded the State Anthem of the Russian Federation regarded as the standard of excellence, as well as an anthology of Russian military music, stored now in the State Archive of Television and Radio Programs. In the past few years alone, the band has recorded about a dozen CDs of Russian, foreign and military music pieces.
The 2025 Spasskaya Tower Festival overwhelming production will bring together over 1,500 of the world’s finest performers, with Russia being represented by the country’s best artists from the Ministry of Defense, National Guard Forces, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergencies Ministry as well as Federal Security and Federal Guard Services (also known as FSB and FSO). This time the Festival organizers will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory and be proud to honor the memory of all those who have been bravely fighting for their homeland.
The Seventeenth Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo is enjoying the unwavering organizational and/or financial support of the Russian MoD, MFA and Moscow Government Department of Culture.