“Spasskaya Bashnya” kicks off in a burst of color and emotion

The Fourth International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Bashnya” (Spasskaya Tower) commenced to the sounds of Kremlin bells, a light show and fireworks displays at Moscow’s Red Square Wednesday night. The show included bands from 14 countries playing patriotic music and performing clever skits.

With Kremlin bells ringing, the festival’s mascot, a Nutcracker (a gift from the famous sculptor Mikhail Shemyakin), popped up in the middle of Red Square.

After the opening ceremony, the Presidential Band and the Presidential Regiment’s Honorary Guard Company assembled. The crowd cheered to the measured march and the choreographed movements. To wind up the number, they fired a deafening salvo into the air.

Mexico’s Jaguares de la Tamayo marching band and the Folk Dance Company Tenochtitlan are now Moscow’s favorites.

Bringing an inimitable performance was the Shi-Huo Cultural Troupe from Xian, China. Its name is a combination of two divine appellatives: She (Earth God) and Huo (Fire God). The show is based on a thousand-year-old supplication rite whereby the gods were entreated to give help and prosperity.

The She-Huo Cultural Troupe of China performs at the opening ceremony of Spasskaya Tower Festival 2011.

A total of 20 bands from 14 countries performed, including the Royal Artillery Band (UK) with its spectacular Highland pipes and drums.

The Pakistani armed forces band at the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival opening ceremony on Red Square.

The Jordanian armed forces band at the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival opening ceremony on Red Square.

Few can match the studied precision of movement demonstrated by the Ceremonial Platoon, Royal Guard Band, and Top Secret Drum Corps of Switzerland.

The Norwegian Guards have a reputation for being among the best at international military music festivals. Their rendition of two Russian favorites – “Kalinka-Malinka” and “Proshchaniye Slavyanki” – evoked a storm of applause.

All the performers gathered for the closing ceremony. Guest star Mireille Mathieu first sang “Ne Uyezzhai Ty Moi Golubchik.” a cappella and in Russian, then as the band started to play, she continued with Edith Piaf’s “Padam Padam” and her own “Pardonne-moi Ce Caprice D’enfant.”