Pipes, Drums and Maces – the International Celtic Pipes and Drums is preparing a new show!

It is hard to imagine any military music festival without sounds of pipes and the Spasskaya Tower Festival is not an exception.

For the last several years the International Celtic Massed Pipes and Drums has become one of the permanent participants of the International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Tower”. The band was founded by its leader David Johnston.

David Johnston was for many years the British Army Pipe Major and instructed bagpipers in the Royal Regiment of the Irish and Scottish Guards. In 2016 especially for the performance on Red Square Johnston founded an international creative union of musicians from different countries united by the common Celtic culture. As well as the head of the band himself, all its members are honored musicians who have gained recognition in their countries and have performed, among others, in front of the heads of their states.

The performances of Johnston’s band bagpipers have always been remarkable and unique. At the X anniversary “Spasskaya Tower” Festival the band numbering 120 bagpipers and drummers performed in the main square of the country together with the International Scottish Highland Dance Team. 2018 will not be an exception; once again the bagpipers are preparing a surprise for the Muscovites and guests of the capital. The audience’s attention will be grabbed by the show of drum-majors.

“The International Celtic Pipes and Drums will perform special marching orders and traditional Celtic melodies. For our static musical compositions the band will form a trefoil in the center of Red Square. Meanwhile our special group of drum-majors will demonstrate their phenomenal skills of handling maces. The band will as well perform traditional compositions „Scotland the Brave“ and „The Black Bear“”, told David Johnston.

“Trefoil is a symbol known for many centuries. According to legends, trefoil was a holly plant for Irish Druids because of its foils forming a triad and three was a mystic number in the Celtic religion and mythology as well as in others. In the 5th century Saint Patrick used trefoil to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity when he brought Christianity to Ireland”, highlighted Johnston.

Despite the fact that borders of various countries separate members of the band from its leader it doesn’t hinder them from preparing for the show. Scores, videos and marching schemes are being sent to all the band members. But the joint rehearsals will only take place in Moscow in the run-up to the Festival!