The fifth show of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival is over, and the tattoo is already in full swing. This year the Festival stands embark on an intriguing journey through the Middle East with the Band of the Sharjah Police Science Academy. Not only does the tattoo debutant add some oriental touch to Red Square, but they also pay tribute to Russia by performing some of the most poignant pieces from the war years. The Central Band of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia follows in. One of the most remarkable highlights of the 2025 cast, the ensemble stepped onto the cobblestones dressed in the same uniform as the participants of the 1945 Victory Parade.
Our guests from the Middle East took the stage to the sounds of Richard Strauss ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’ symphonic poem which was followed by a plethora of compositions encompassing Arabian folk melodies and popular European tunes. Building a bridge between the Arabian Peninsula and Europe, the Band of the Sharjah Police Science Academy presented a show full of precision, wit, and charm.
Paying tribute to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War, the participants from the UAE included in their music sketch several Russian compositions. The crowds were moved to hear the familiar sounds of the Cranes and Smuglyanka songs. Noteworthy, the use of traditional Arab instruments, like different-sized drums and the oud, a pear-shaped stringed piece resembling a lute, to perform, for example, Smuglyanka. A spectacular performance that proves military music knows no boundaries.
“Our program features compositions from different countries, including some Russian pieces. Our choice fell on the ‘Bodriy’ march composed by Valery Khalilov, the first artistic director of the Spasskaya Tower Festival, and the ‘Smuglyanka’ song”, commented Lieutenant Colonel Hussain Ali Saleh Mohamed Alraeesi, Head of the Band. As per him, the ‘Smuglyanka’ song was chosen to honor the leading theme of the Festival and because of its cheerful and kind vibe. “We really like this melody, as despite being about the war it carries a lot of light within”, said Lieutenant Colonel Alraeesi.
The Band of the Sharjah Police Science Academy was very proud and happy to be part of the 2025 Spasskaya Tower Festival. “Last year our leaders were present at the Spasskaya Tower Tattoo as guests and were deeply impressed, and wished to return as participants. So, when we got the invitation, we started preparing right away”, remarked Lieutenant Colonel Alraeesi. “Stepping on the cobblestones of Red Square in the very heart of Russia is an unforgettable and unique experience”.
The 80th anniversary of the Great Victory as the Spasskaya Tower Festival leading theme was also embraced by the Central Band of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia. Musicians narrated a tale of their own. Composed solely of the war-year pieces, the music sketch was arranged especially for the 2025 Festival show employing even electric guitars and drums to set the cobblestones on fire.
The artists stepped onto the cobblestones of Red Square dressed in the Great Patriotic War years’ uniform. Border guards, partisan fighters, sailors, pilots and tankmen: they one by one hit the stage. The audiences were hard fought to keep their feet still to the Yablochko sailor tune and eagerly sang verses from ‘Cause We are Pilots’ songs. The Band of the Border Guards staged an awe-inspiring open-ground show, dazzling the audiences with precise regroupings, diagonal patterns, and intricate choreography.
"This year our nation is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory. Thus, on the cobblestones our artists step dressed in the uniform of those times. In particular, the choir is dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the 1945 Victory Parade”, said Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Kolovanov, Conductor of the Band. He further stated that the chosen repertoire exemplified the leading theme of the 2025 Festival. As per him, the Spasskaya Tower Festival was an ultimate celebration of music and the place where old and new friends meet.
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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