This Thursday, August 21, Moscow’s Red Square hosted the exclusive evening show of the Seventeenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival. The Festival’s combined band provided a stunning last medley to cap off the evening. With over 1500 musicians simultaneously hitting the cobblestones of Red Square, the ensemble showcased a program reflecting the leading theme of the 2025 run which pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
With the Spasskaya Tower chimes hitting 8 o’clock sharp, the show began. To the utter delight of the spectators, a stunning whirl of musical sketches by both Russian and international competitors enchanted the cobblestones of Moscow's Red Square.
In 2025, the Festival global cast comprises participants from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), UAE and Zimbabwe. All in all, the night featured ten foreign participants, some of whom we are already acquainted with. Speaking of longtime friends, the 2025 Spasskaya Tower Festival is pleased to welcome back the Exemplary Band of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Historic Flag-Wavers of the Contrade of Cori from Italy.
Each music team has brought to Moscow a unique story telling the crowds about their states’ histories, traditions, customs and achievements, and aiming at winning them over with modern twists and fresh, creative elements. This year both Russian and foreign participants crafted their programs following the main idea of the Festival that pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War and all those forging the Victory.
Major General Timofey Mayakin, Music Director of the Festival and Head of the Band Military Service of the Russian Armed Forces provided his perspective on the inaugural performance of the show. “Our final medley symbolizes the journey that all the nations took to achieve the Great Victory. Ultimately, we developed an essential music narrative after spending a great deal of time selecting the music pieces. Isaak Dunaevsky's "March of Enthusiasts" represents the nation that is prepared for growth and innovation. Next is Dmitry Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony, followed by several war-years’ songs. And last but not least, the legendary "Victory Day" by David Tukhmanov that symbolizes the end of the fighting”, explained Major General Mayakin. “Tonight, the Festival’s combined band performed this medley for the first time. All the groups have, of course, been getting ready in advance. But there were only three joint rehearsals, and many of the participants who were supposed to be there arrived in Moscow literally the day before. Yet they are all of the highest caliber. So, the last chord sounded strong and expressive, just like we wanted it to”, highlighted the Music Director of the Festival.
In 2025, the Spasskaya Tower Festival will unfold on Moscow’s Red Square between August 22 and 31. The tattoo’s overwhelming production enjoys the unwavering organizational and/or financial support of the Russian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, and Moscow Government Department of Culture.
Tickets for the Seventeenth Spasskaya Tower International Military Tattoo are available for sale on the Festival official website (spasstower.ru), with prices starting from 1600 Rub.
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