Military music festival "Spasskaya Tower". Military band competitions in Europe
The Spasskaya Tower festival was held in Moscow for the eighth time. From the very first show, which happened in 2006, this review of military bands, or Military Tattoo, was timed to coincide with it. It is held, naturally (and this has become a tradition), in early September.
Musical and theatrical performances
Despite the fact that Russia was the last to join this worldwide movement, the Spasskaya Tower festival stands out from similar musical and theatrical shows: in terms of scale and program, the project is unique and has no equal.
Reviews of military bands have always aroused great interest among the public, because they represent not only musical concerts - these spectacles contribute to the development of a sense of patriotism and pride in the army of one’s country. Accompanied by music, the demonstration of military training, beautiful army ceremonies and paraphernalia made the Spasskaya Tower festival an expected and beloved holiday.
Founders of the Military Tattoo movement
The first of these events was held in 1880 in London. This Royal Tournament brought together almost all large military bands. It began to be held annually. The tradition was interrupted only for the period when the shadow of war hung over Europe. The shows ended in 1999. In the middle of the last century, namely in 1950, the first famous Edinburgh parade of military bands took place. It is very representative, is held annually and attracts up to 200,000 spectators. Canada joined the Military Tattoo movement in 1979, Birmingham in 1989, then Norfolk (USA), Sydney and others. Most of the oldest shows were held under the patronage of the British royal family. The London tournament was renamed the British tournament in 2010.
Military band competitions in Europe
Continental Europe also did not stand aside. In Paris, at the time of the World Exhibition of 1867, not even a review was held, but a Congress of Military Bands, which was attended by musicians of the Life Guards Cavalry Regiment, which took first place that year. In France, reviews of military musicians have been held since 1840. But these were qualifying competitions at which the best military bands were determined, and since 1867, the reviews acquired international significance, although at the beginning they were not permanent, but were timed to coincide with special events.
Poklonnaya Hill became the beginning of annual shows
Against the backdrop of such a rich and beautiful history, the young Spasskaya Tower festival, declared as international, could not lose face. The location of the festival immediately determined its status. True, the festival that laid the foundation for this wonderful tradition and took place in 2006 was held on Poklonnaya Hill, and it was called “Performances of the Honor Guard Units of Heads of State.” All theatrical performances of the review were accompanied by well-known and beloved military bands in our country. There were also sensations.
Thus, the Kazakh special guard company demonstrated weapons handling techniques, and no army in the world is capable of repeating them. Representatives of this former Soviet republic have performed excellently over the years, the high level of their performances is remembered and discussed on the Internet.
Great organization
The colorful show of 2006 turned out to be so impressive that it was decided to hold it on a regular basis, but Red Square was already chosen as the venue, and the name of the new show was “Spasskaya Tower”. It is necessary to indicate the organizers of the first review.
It was the Mikhailov and Partners agency. Strategic Communications Management". This organization systematically and effectively worked to create an attractive image of the capital in order to attract more tourists. The show received the title of the festival in 2009. Now Spasskaya Tower has very serious sponsors. The festival is held with the full support of the capital government and under the patronage of
A wonderful gift for a beautiful city
It was noted above what event the Spasskaya Tower festival is dedicated to - the capital of the Russian Federation. This is a worthy gift to Moscow. This colorful show intertwines military, classical, folk and pop music.
Colorful costumes of orchestra members at parade parades, special effects and staged dance numbers, performances by A-list stars, receptions and informal, one-of-a-kind concerts, horse riding by riders from the Kremlin riding school - all this can be seen here.
Multi-day holiday
The international military music festival “Spasskaya Tower” is gaining strength year after year. If the presence of 70,000 spectators was announced on Poklonnaya Hill, then the last event, held in September 2015, from the 5th to the 13th, was attended by about 200,000 people. Demonstration performances began daily at 20.00, but the life of the festival did not stop during the day: master classes and fairs, performances, events called “Spasskaya Tower for Children”, flash mobs and show performances on military topics and much more. Each of the 9 days of the festival was a celebration ending with light shows and special effects.
Having a specific topic
It should be noted that this trend has emerged in recent years: each Spasskaya Tower music festival has its own general theme, dedicated to some historical date. For example, in 2011 the holiday was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the establishment of full-time military bands of the Russian Army. In 2012 it turned 200 and the musical and theatrical performance was, naturally, dedicated to this date.
The theme of the 2013 show was “By reviving traditions, we preserve history!” In the same year, martial monks from Chinese Shaolin performed under the leadership of their mentor Shi Yongxing as part of the festival. The 2014 show, held from August 30 to September 7, was marked by a boycott from a number of countries - they refused to send their musicians to Moscow. The most important thing is that the script was rewritten in a short time. But the festival of military bands “Spasskaya Tower” still took place and was held at a high level. The theme of this worthy show was the First World War. And needless to say, this year, 2015, the theme of the “Spasskaya Tower” was the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory over the Nazis. “Spasskaya Tower”, a festival of military bands, in 2015 was closed with a number of ceremonial events dedicated to the Victory, and was held at an unprecedentedly high level.
Festival mascot
The festival's mascot was Mireille Mathieu, a famous vocalist from France who twice became a holder of the country's main order (the Legion of Honor). This is how her work was appreciated. The great singer visited our capital for the seventh time during these holidays in 2015. She didn’t miss the festival in 2014 either, when she was strongly advised not to go.
Government project
The scope of this holiday is evidenced by the fact that over all the years of the festival’s existence, about 100 army bands, who came from different countries of the world (about 40), took part in it. Russia once again demonstrates to the whole world its openness and desire to cooperate.
The musical director of the festival is Lieutenant General M.F. Khalilov. Throughout the years, the largest international cultural project in Russia has always been hosted by Red Square. The Spasskaya Tower festival arose and is held on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin. Year after year, more and more interesting and titled groups arrive at the festival.
More and more representative every year
Thus, in 2015, riders of the Andalusian School performed as part of the festival; their show is by far the best in Europe. The holiday begins with the passage of the combined orchestra of all the visiting military musicians along Tverskaya Street. Later, in the daytime, they perform at various venues in Moscow, where they give free concerts. Until 2015, China and Mexico sent only individual folklore groups to the Spasskaya Tower; in the same year, these countries were represented by the main military bands. On the final day of the grandiose show performance, according to an already established tradition, a combined orchestra of all participants, consisting of 1,500 musicians, enters Red Square.
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this festival. Therefore, active preparations for the 2016 musical and theatrical performance began immediately after the closing of the current show.
Every year at the beginning of September the International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Tower” is held in Moscow on Red Square. Now there is no doubt that Russia has its own parade of military bands, which is not duplicated by any of the famous Military Tattoos, and in scope and scale has no equal and is second only to the Victory Parade on May 9.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Military Band was established in 1947. Since 1952 it has been based in Beijing. Now the orchestra includes three groups of symphonic and wind music, one group of teachers of wind music and a music studio.
Honor guard company and orchestra of the Presidential Regiment "Aibyn"
2014, 2015
The Republican Guard was created in 1992, and in April 2014, as a result of reforming the Armed Forces, it was reorganized into the State Security Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Exemplary Band of the Mexican Armed Forces
The history of the exemplary orchestra of the Mexican Armed Forces begins in 1889, when, on the initiative of the country's president, General Porfirio Diaz, the Supreme Power Orchestra was created.
Rome Municipal Police Band
The history of the Municipal Police Band of Rome began in 1870, when the City Guard Band was created.
Imperial Youth Orchestra, Brentwood
In 2015, the Brentwood Imperial Youth Orchestra celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the best gift for young musicians was confirmation of participation in the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival.
Folk group "Kanto Matsuri"
In Japan, famous for its careful attitude to its traditions, at the end of summer it is customary to remember ancestors. For three days, on the so-called Obon, the souls of loved ones return to their homes, where colorful lanterns are lit to bring them joy. At the same time, people offer prayers to the gods for peace, health, and prosperity for the family, asking for protection from natural disasters and a good harvest.
Brass band of the postal service, Maribor
In 1931, in Maribor, a group of amateur musicians, postal employees, created the postal service brass band. The group quickly became popular, and musicians who were not postal workers began to play in it. The orchestra is supported by the country's national postal operator, the Slovenian Post.
Royal Andalusian School of Horsemanship
The Royal Andalusian School of Horsemanship was founded in 1973. This moment marked the beginning of a revival of the traditional art of Spanish equestrian dressage.
Royal stilt walkers
The tradition of using stilts in Belgium has been known since the Middle Ages: with their help, residents reached neighboring villages after heavy rains cut them off from each other. However, stilts soon became not only a useful device in inclement weather, but also entertainment. Pieter Bruegel's famous painting "Child's Play" depicts them as child's play.
Band of the Armed Forces
The Honored Band of the Republic of Belarus “Exemplary Orchestra of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus” was created on April 1, 1950 as the orchestra of the headquarters of the Belarusian Military District.
Pakistan Armed Forces Band
2011, 2015
The Pakistan Armed Forces Band was formed in 1947. The team in its work combined individual traditions of the armed forces of the British Empire and national heritage.
Presidential Orchestra
2006, 2007, 2009-2015
The Presidential Orchestra of the Moscow Kremlin Commandant Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation is a unique group; its history is closely intertwined with the history of the state.
Special guard company of the Presidential Regiment
2006, 2007, 2009-2015
The main tasks of the unit, formed in 1976, are to provide events at the highest state level and serve as an honor guard at the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Cavalry honorary escort of the Presidential Regiment
2006, 2007, 2009-2015
The history of the Cavalry Honor Escort dates back to the Imperial Convoy and a unit of the 11th Independent Cavalry Regiment, formed in 1962. On the basis of this unit, on September 2, 2002, the Cavalry Honor Escort was formed.
Central Military Band of the Ministry of Defense
2006, 2007, 2009-2015
The leading creative group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and one of the most famous orchestras in the world - the Central Military Band of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation was founded in 1927.
Central Orchestra of the Navy named after. ON THE. Rimsky-Korsakov
2007, 2009, 2012 - 2015
Created in 1941, the Central Concert Exemplary Orchestra is the leading creative group of the Navy. In 1994, the orchestra was named after the great Russian composer N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov.
Military Exemplary Honor Guard Band
2011 - 2015
Only this orchestra is the first to represent the level of domestic musical art at the time of the arrival of distinguished guests - heads of official government and military delegations of foreign countries - in our country.
Suvorov Orchestra of the Moscow Military Music School
2006, 2007, 2009-2015
The Moscow Military Music School, the only educational institution of its kind, was founded in 1937. Over the more than 70-year history of its existence, the school has trained a large number of musicians...
September 17th, 2015
Last weekend, the international festival of military bands Spasskaya Tower ended in Moscow. The festival lasted for more than a week, attracting full stands. Traditionally, the weather was so-so, but it only rained a couple of times.
1. This year the festival was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory.
2. According to tradition, the festival is opened by our people :)
3. All the pyrotechnics at the festival were made by the Orion-Art company.
4. Brass band of the postal service, Maribor.
5. In 1931, in Maribor, a group of amateur musicians, postal employees, created a brass band for the postal service. The group quickly became popular, and musicians who were not postal workers began to play in it.
6. The military band of the headquarters of the Southern Military District was formed on August 2, 1962 on the basis of the military band of the 106th communications regiment with a permanent location in Rostov-on-Don.
7. The Pakistan Armed Forces Band was formed in 1947. The team in its work combined individual traditions of the armed forces of the British Empire and national heritage.
8. Honor guard company and orchestra of the Presidential Regiment “Aibyn”, Kazakhstan.
9. United by Music Pipe and Drum Orchestra, Ireland.
10. Band of the Municipal Police of Rome. Its history began in 1870, when the City Guard Band was created.
11. Royal stilt walkers, Belgium.
12. The tradition of using stilts in Belgium has been known since the Middle Ages: with their help, residents reached neighboring villages after heavy rains, which cut them off from each other. However, stilts soon became not only a useful device in inclement weather, but also entertainment.
13. Band and honor guard company of the People's Liberation Army of China.
14. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Military Band was established in 1947. Since 1952 it has been based in Beijing.
16. Now the orchestra includes three groups of symphonic and wind music, one group of teachers of wind music and a music studio.
17. Folklore group "Kanto Matsuri".
18. The history of Kanto Matsuri - the lantern festival - goes back about 400 years.
19. Honored Band of the Republic of Belarus “Exemplary Orchestra of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.”
21. The history of the exemplary orchestra of the Mexican Armed Forces begins in 1889, when, on the initiative of the country's president, General Porfirio Diaz, the Supreme Power Orchestra was created.
22. Mireille Mathieu. She came to all the Spasskaya Tower festivals.
23. The Suvorov Orchestra of the Moscow Military Music School prepares something interesting every year.
24. Every day the festival program ended with colorful fireworks.
25. There will be a separate story about this shooting :)
28. My traditional shot from the festival:)
I would like to point out a couple of shortcomings of the festival. The first is that you can’t hear anything at the top of the VIP stand. You can more or less hear the orchestras. But you can’t hear the singers at all (and this year many orchestras brought singers). Why it was impossible to put sound at the top is unclear.The second thing I didn't like was the light. The stage lights were often dark, and the lights above the side stands were often harsh on the eyes. Not good. Otherwise, the festival went well, spectators filled the stands all days.
Spasskaya Tower 2013.
The annual festival of military bands “Spasskaya Tower 2015” was held in Moscow. Enchanting performances by musicians, acrobatic stunts and even horse shows - thousands of guests were able to see this and much more.
The International Festival of Military Bands was held on Red Square for the eighth time. This year “Spasskaya Tower-2015” was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, notes online publication “Defend Russia”.
Rich in surprises
The festival opened with a costumed installation: the sound of sirens, the light of searchlights - the enemy was marching along the paving stones of the main square of the country. Towards the enemy - the Soviet Army. To the music of Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, a performance takes place on Red Square, which reminds the audience of how terrible and destructive the Great Patriotic War was for our country.
The eighth festival turned out to be rich in surprises: for the first time, Mexico and China are representing not folklore groups, but the main orchestras of the defense ministries of these countries, Italy is represented by the Roman police orchestra, and Slovenia is represented by the Maribor Post Office Orchestra. According to Slovenian conductor Erwin Hartman, this is more like an orchestra of the Ministry of Transport, and the uniform of postmen is just a tribute to tradition. Judging by the reaction of the spectators on Red Square, this uniform suits the “postwomen”.
Slovenia was replaced by orchestra members from Pakistan. The delegation was headed by Brigadier General Hamid Ali Khan, by the way, the highest-ranking military man among the festival guests.
Belarus surprised everyone with an incendiary, in every sense, show. One of the orchestra members blew real fireworks out of a pipe during the performance!
This is not the first time that Scottish bagpipes have taken part in the festival. But this time, Major O’Hagan’s pipers and drummers especially amazed the guests of the Spasskaya Tower with their performance of the Russian “Kalinka” and “Katyusha”.
The orchestra of the Kazakh Presidential Regiment "Aibyn" received a storm of applause when they performed the famous song of the group "A-Studio" - "Soldier of Love".
Italy was represented by the Roman Police Band. Red Square literally turned red for a few minutes - from the raincoats of the Italian law enforcement officers who filled it. The Roman orchestra performed with opera singer Isabella Avati.
The guests of the Spasskaya Tower were especially delighted by the Belgian Royal Stilt Walkers. For a few minutes, the festival spectators seemed transported to the arena of Cirque Du Soleil - the performance of the Belgians was so bright and fabulous.
The Chinese girls showed a synchronized, clear, precise performance down to the second. The icing on the cake was the girls’ performance of the song “Moscow Nights.”
The Japanese were more like a sports team than an orchestra. But the impressive size of the drum indicated that representatives of the Land of the Rising Sun were at the festival not by chance. According to the orchestra members themselves, initially there were two groups - the first performed with bamboo poles, the second was created from drummers and flutists. Now both teams have united into one, which came to the Spasskaya Tower.
"Blue handkerchief" over the entire area
The traditional guest of the festival was the French singer Mireille Mathieu. Every year she performs one song in Russian at the festival. This time was no exception - the entire audience sang “The Blue Handkerchief” along with the star.
You can also watch the brightest incendiary moments of the orchestras' performance in our video.
“Spasskaya Tower” ended until September 13. Every day, guests could enjoy performances by musical groups from 14 countries - Belarus, Belgium, Great Britain, Holland, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Mexico, Pakistan, Japan and Russia.
In addition to the musical numbers, the audience saw exciting performances by the joint horse riding team of the Cavalry Honorary Escort of the Presidential Regiment and the Kremlin Riding School.
The Royal Andalusian School of Horsemanship, which came to the festival from Spain, deserves special attention. The famous show “How Andalusian Horses Dance” could be seen on Red Square almost every day of the festival.
Help "RT"
The Spasskaya Tower took place for the first time in 2007, when more than a thousand military musicians from different countries performed on Red Square. In total, since the beginning of the festival, more than 100 orchestras from 40 countries have taken part in it.
