This Sunday, August 24, the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival welcomed Albina Shagimuratova, a leading singer of the renowned Saint Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre. One of the world’s most acclaimed sopranos, she performed Franz Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’ to the accompaniment of the gorgeous Central Military Band of the Ministry of Defense of Russia.
As our gleeful celebration of music gains momentum, we continue to introduce you to the major highlights of this year’s show.
One of the leading artistic teams of Russia, the Central Military Band of the Ministry of Defense is famous for their stunning performances. Some of the best musicians of the country have always staged eye-catching shows proving that military music has no boundaries. This year they continue stepping out of the box to wow the audiences who truly appreciate the effort as well as the sense of humor and endless energy.
Hence, the show begins. Dressed in the impeccable gold uniform, musicians of the Central Military Band hit the cobblestones of the 2025 Spasskaya Tower Festival to the vibrant sound of Vladimir Shainskiy Antoshka. The stands burst into thundering applause and start singing along the song that is known to every kid and grownup in Russia. Then Antoshka gives way to Lada, Alexandra, Julia, Alisa, Janna and Vasya, for sure. These are the names featured in music compositions included in the ensemble’s music sketch. Thus, the idea behind their 2025 Spasskaya Tower Festival performance reads the following, the big names of the great country.
“This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and 99% of the artists crafted their programs aligning with the theme. It is reflected in the entire show canvas, from the prologue to the grand final medley. We also eagerly speak and promote our country’s eternal values such as love and respect for the Motherland. However, the Spasskaya Tower Festival is a vivid celebration, and people come here to enjoy themselves. That’s why we decided to get off top and add some humour to the show”, commented Colonel Sergey Durygin, Head of the Central Military Band and Honored Artist of Russia.
Colonel Durygin also appreciated a plethora of Russian compositions performed by the foreign cast of the 2025 Spasskaya Tower Festival, featuring the all-time favorite Smuglyanka, Katusha, the Cranes, the Sacred War and others. “When we perform Smuglyanka, it’s one thing. When done by foreigners, it’s quite another. They show respect for Russia, which is hosting the Festival”, highlighted the Bandmaster. As per Colonel Durygin, it was very touching to see the crowds stand every night to the sounds of the Sacred War. “Foreign musicians put in a lot of effort to show all their skills and emotions, and conquer the hearts of the Russian audiences”, commented Colonel Durygin.
The hilarious music sketch was crowned by an exquisite performance of Albina Shagimuratova, one of the acclaimed stars of the world’s opera stage. The stands on Red Square gasped when her gorgeous soprano filled the air above the Kremlin’s ancient walls. “I have already heard about the Festival and attended some previous runs, but only today I have realized the scale of the event. I am definitely impressed. When I was asked to perform, I said yes right away. Being able to perform at the Festival in the year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory is of particular importance. Together with Sergey Durygin, Head of the Central Military Band, we chose a very symbolic piece, Ave Maria, as a prayer for our entire country”, remarked the soloist. “I wanted this melody to resonate with every single person on Red Square”, she added.
The Seventeenth Spasskaya Tower Festival is unfolding on the cobblestones of 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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