The Presidential Orchestra of Burkina Faso will decorate the renowned cobblestones of Red Square with vivid colors of Africa, traditional artforms, distinctive rendition of folk melodies, and much more. Authentic music that captures the boundless energy, spiritual unity, and cultural diversity of the world’s hottest continent will be brought to Moscow by some of the best Burkinabe musicians.
The Presidential Orchestra of Burkina Faso will become the youngest music band to set foot on the cobblestones of Red Square. Although the ensemble’s history may be traced back to the Burkina Faso Revolution of 1983 — 1987, the group did not come together in its current form until early this year. The band embarked on its renaissance journey in February, following the decree of President of Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traore.
The ensemble comprises a choir, a group of folk instruments and several music sections that are frequently encountered in military bands. The Presidential Orchestra has recruited some of the most gifted musicians from all over Burkina Faso, as they have successfully navigated a rigorous selection process. They expertly meld the nation’s cultural pursuits and modern trends with the timeless traditions of the past, exemplifying the state’s tenacious endeavors to overcome all the obstacles and achieve the country’s ultimate growth.
The band has a wide range of duties, including covering significant military and public events across the country, and paying tribute to the President of Burkina Faso and his distinguished guests. All the guests of the Spasskaya Tower Festival will have a rare chance to get acquainted with the best samples of Burkinabe traditional music as well as a number of pieces created for the Moscow tattoo. At the helm of the Presidential Orchestra is Squadron Commander Captain Aime Cesaire Ouedraogo, a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory and a certified military conductor. He is therefore intimately familiar with what Russian audiences find appealing.
The Seventeenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival will unfold on Moscow’s Red Square between August 22 and 31, 2025. This year the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory and all those who served. Some of the best military and law enforcement artists from Russia and abroad will hit the cobblestones of Red Square. The Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival enjoys the unwavering organisational and/or financial support of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture of Russia as well as the Moscow Government Department of Culture.