Military Bands in Parks

The Military Bands in the City Parks, a specia project by the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival

With the ongoing support of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Organizing Committee of the Spasskaya Tower International Military Tattoo continues its efforts to revive one of the most charming traditions of the past, with military bands performing in parks and gardens, streets and alleys, and other iconic sites. In 2024, it saw light for the eighth time, with military musicians having staged over 80 performances and audiences exceeding 200k people.

Each season’s line-up and program are carefully tailored by Major General Timofey Mayakin, Music Director of the Spasskaya Tower Military Tattoo and Head of the Military Band Service of the Russian Armed Forces.

The project, in essence, is a series of concerts staged by bands representing Russia’s military and law enforcement agencies, with performances taking place on weekends onsite different outdoor venues for free allowing all the audiences in.

The first performance of the Military Bands in the City Parks was carried out by the Spasskaya Tower Festival in 2016 on VDNH. After being a huge hit, the program was turned into an annual affair, taking place in various locations. Since 2017, the number of concert venues has been steadily growing.

By the way, the idea behind the whole event was inspired by Muscovites themselves who have been missing this beautiful tradition of the past. Hence, the project has lived on to become one of the prominent hallmarks of Moscow’s cultural and public life.

Each year’s cast comprise ensembles of the Russian Ministry of Defense, National Guard Forces, Federal Security Service, and Russia’s Emergencies Ministry.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 virus spread all over the world, the project was canceled like many other mass entertainment events. Following numerous requests by friends and loyal fans of the project, the organizers decided to go online and present the finest highlights of previous shows.

The following year, the project expanded its geographical reach to Moscow’s surroundings.

In 2022, for the first time the organizers gave start to the program on the esplanade of the Main Cathedral, and it’s become a good tradition since. All the audiences now have an opportunity to enjoy both the gorgeous music and an outstanding view of the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces.

In 2024, the Military Bands in the City Parks became winner of the Second Grant Competition by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, giving the project an opportunity to step out of its traditional boundaries. Now, not only Moscow, but also Saint Petersburg has a chance to witness some of the best music ensembles of the Russian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. Up to late September, military wind bands staged as many as 22 concerts in both cities.

The main idea behind the project has not changed since 2016. Each performance is a distinct cultural dialogue between the audiences and the performers, who, employing the universal language of music, recount Russia’s illustrious traditions, heritage and achievements, as well as their love and devotion to the Motherland. Onstage, they demonstrate openness, and the audience responds to them with genuine admiration.

In Russia, military music has consistently been regarded not only as a tool of elevating the morale of troops, but also as a means of fostering patriotic sentiments and national self-awareness. In the current challenging circumstances, where it is imperative to uphold a high level of patriotism within the society and provide support to our fellow citizens who are tasked with safeguarding the interests of our Motherland, the significance of military music has risen exponentially.

The project is unique due to its format and lineup. Though the repertoire of military bands is based on classical, heroic and military patriotic pieces, the participants always willingly step out of the box to perform iconic and cutting-edge hits from home and abroad.