The Company of “Vieux Grenadiers” form Switzerland will once again entertain viewers of the XI International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Tower” with their unusual and vibrant performance!
“Dear friends of the International Military Music Festival „Spasskaya Tower“ the „Vieux Grenadiers“ of Geneva will again visit Moscow this year. We’d be glad to present you our new music show which shows a piece of our history. Come to the Festival and join us. You won’t regret! See you in August!” encourages viewers one of the members of the “Vieux Grenadiers” company representative of the Ministry of Defense of Switzerland Deputy Military Commander of the Geneva canton Paul Bron.
One of the remarkable features of the Swiss show is shooting from muskets that were produced back in 1822. Despite their respectable age the guns fire without fails. During their previous performance at the “Spasskaya Tower” Festival in 2104 the Vieux Grenadiers simultaneously fired from 80 muskets. Clouds of gunpowder smoke and the created entourage did not leave anyone indifferent.
The “Vieux Grenadiers” company is one of the oldest patriotic societies in Europe. Their famous motto is “Homeland — Family — Friendship”. The history of the society counts more than 269 years. The Grenadier corps being the very best of troops of Geneva militia was created in 1686. In October 1749 14 Grenadiers decided alongside their professional activities to found a club in order to keep and improve their traditions. Ultimately, this club has become the predecessor of the Company of “Vieux Grenadiers”.
Since 1969 the Company has had its marching band which performs Swiss and Napoleonic marches. The Grenadiers parade behind their Commanding officer in the following order: the sappers with their big axes wearing white leather aprons, the flag carries, the drum Major and his drummers, the music leader and his musicians, the Grenadiers with the muskets and their officers. Muskets, swords and sabers which are kept in the Company’s arsenal are authentic and have served on European battlefields.