This Saturday, June 27, the 23rd Military Band of the Leningrad Military District took the stage to mark the return of the Military Bands in the City Parks project. The opening concert of the program’s tenth anniversary edition took place at the Island of Forts Museum and Historical Park in Kronstadt, just outside Saint Petersburg. A large crowd gathered on that sunny summer day to enjoy outstanding music, soak up the festive atmosphere, and share in the celebration.
Developed by Russia’s Ministry of Defense as an extension of Moscow’s Patriot Park, the Island of Forts tourist and recreation cluster came alive with the performance of the renowned military ensemble whose glorious history roots back to 1918. Today, the band’s musicians play a central role in the city’s official ceremonial life, as they are entrusted with providing musical honors at official events in Saint Petersburg attended by Russia’s senior state officials and the most distinguished foreign delegations.
On Saturday, however, they revealed a different side of their artistry. Through a carefully curated selection of popular songs and vibrant medleys, musicians took audiences on a musical journey through the history of their ensemble and the rich cultural heritage of Saint Petersburg.
The first piece of the program was Leningrad, a renowned march by Russian and Soviet military conductor and composer Semyon Chernetsky, which was followed by Vasily Bekker’s graceful The Forest Fairy Tale waltz.
The program then took listeners into the world of Nikolai
The concert became even more special thanks to the band’s talented soloists — Mikhail Kuznetsov, Maya Gitsina, Roman Kozin on trumpet, Anna Volkova, and Violetta Kuzheleva. And soon both adults and children were singing along to such popular songs as ‘A Soldier Is Walking Through the City’, ‘Hey, Sailor’, and many others.
The crowd especially enjoyed the orchestra’s medleys of beloved songs about the army and navy, as well as the band’s energetic takes on rock classics, which brought even more excitement to the celebration.
“For the third year in a row, Saint Petersburg has welcomed the Military Bands in the City Parks project. And that is wonderful, because music has the power to convey values that are especially important today — love for one’s country and family, patriotism, and devotion to the Motherland. I believe that when we listen to music, we become kinder and better. I would like to thank everyone who joined us for today’s concert, as well as the team of the Island of Forts Museum and Historical Park for giving us the opportunity to perform at such a wonderful venue. We are looking forward to seeing each other again”, said Captain Alexey Valynkin, the band’s conductor.
With the continued support of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Directorate of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival continues its efforts to revive one of the most charming traditions of the past: military bands performing in parks and gardens, along streets and alleys, and at other iconic venues.
