The combined performance of the young talented students of the Moscow Military Music College named after Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov and the All-Girls Boarding School of the Russian Ministry of Defense once again presented an emotionally charged music sketch featuring impressive sound and military precision. A story of life and love that eventually triumphed over all the miseries and sadness of war was told in their musical fairytale.
The tradition of these combined performances saw light in 2011. Since then the young talents have won over the Spasskaya Tower Festival, and each time they step onto the cobblestones of Red Square the stands explode with ovations. This year the Suvorov Cadet Band and the All-Girls Boarding School have prepared a mesmerizing theatrical display showcasing the valiant and challenging journey that our nation was compelled to overcome during various historical periods.
To the sounds of the song ‘It's time to hit the road’ by Solovyev-Sedoy, the young talents of the Festival hit the cobblestones of Red Square highlighting the joyful and peaceful times of 1941 before the war broke out. Through skillful regroupings they formed a plane waving its wings at the stands. Next boys and girls wearing the war-years uniform performed a lyric tango to the ‘Burnt by the Sun’ tune.
But when the sounds from the Alexander Nevsky cantata thundered over Red Square the crowds immediately understood that the peaceful life had broken into pieces. Still boys, the young soldiers stood up to defend the Motherland. Red ribbons and bright lights symbolized the battle between good and evil. Suddenly right in the middle of the square we saw a girl symbolizing the iconic The Motherland Calls monument. With the girl carrying a light, the young artists grouped into the eternal flame pattern to honour the memory of all those who served and fought.
Then a dynamic gasp-inducing drumming show followed, wrapping up the whole performance.
“The Spasskaya Tower Festival is a unique venue both size and ideas wise”, highlighted Mikhail Melnik, Conductor of the Band, Instructor and Candidate of Pedagogical Science. “Thus we never go repetitive and every year present a brand-new program assembled specifically for the Festival”.
Saturday night also surprised the crowds with the appearance of Agunda Kulaeva and Alexey Tatarintsev. The iconic opera duo performed Alexandra Pakhmutova’s ‘Staryi Klion’ (Old Maple) song, evoking powerful emotions and giving goosebumps. Together, they often perform at the most prestigious concert venues and prominent music festivals at home and abroad.
“I feel so proud every time I step to perform on Red Square. Naturally, singing at open-air venues is far harder than in theaters and concert halls. But emotions and feelings are unparalleled”, shared Agunda Kulaeva. “I have always been a big fan of the Spasskaya Tower Festival. We had agreed to meet on Red Square at the time when Valery Khalilov, the tattoo’s first artistic director, was with us. I adore military bands and their repertoire, and I enjoy singing military songs. Unfortunately, Valery Mikhailovich Khalilov is no longer with us, but I was happy to accept the invitation to perform at the Spasskaya Tower Festival. It is such an incredible celebration of art, music and joy. There is nothing like it out there, and I am excited to participate in it”, added further the renowned opera singer.
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 1800 Rub.
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