Patrouille Suisse opened this up Basel Tattoo
Cheerful Mexicans, winged New Zealanders, fairytale Omanis, a portion of Swissness and lots of bagpipe music created a unique atmosphere in the barracks courtyard. The program, a mix of tradition, exoticism and modernity, offered entertainment at a high level. The premiere audience experienced the overflight of the Patrouille Suisse once and for all.
The evening was launched with the Swiss Psalm and a breathtaking overflight of the Patrouille Suisse. The audience was amazed and gave a big applause for the first time. This was followed by the imposing invasion of Massed Pipes and Drums and its 200 bagpipe players and drummers. The eight pipe bands from Scotland and Canada formed a large maple leaf - the symbol of the Canadian flag - and celebrated the historic bond between the two states, which dates back to the 18th century. The local Lucerne Marching Band presented itself likeable, fresh and with the moving song "Circle of Life". The visitors immediately fell in love with the Central Swiss, who said goodbye with the overture to Wilhelm Tell. The Band of the Royals Regiment of Scotland impressively demonstrated that the Scots can not only play the bagpipes, but also have excellent wind music. They were flanked by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as proud flag bearers. With “Rock you Like a Hurricane” and “Mission Impossible”, the brass band from the Ukraine heated up the crowd, and the sparks immediately spread to the audience. Then it was the turn of the Scottish act. Mystical bagpipe sounds and songs like “Loch Lomond” or “Sailing” got under your skin – another highlight of the programme. The recruit play of the Swiss military band also exceeded expectations. Their high musical quality and creativity was strongly expressed in the song "Hot Stuff" and the drum solo. The 50 Canadiana Celtic Highland Dancers floated elegantly across the field. In their dance, musically accompanied by the soloists Tara Howley (uilleann pipe) and Gráinne Brady (violin), they once again took up the connection to their Scottish ancestors and convinced with harmonious choreographies.
Pure exoticism from Mexico, New Zealand and Oman
The more than 100-strong Banda Monumental de México enchanted the audience from the first note. Lively mariachi music, accompanied by spirited dance and passionate singing, quickly made the sympathetic Latinos crowd favourites. The performance of the mounted cavalry together with the royal guard from Oman can also be described as a major attraction. 50 wind musicians, bagpipe players and 42 horses brought the magic of the Middle East to the arena. Before the finale, the New Zealand Army Band impressed with top musical performances and presented excerpts of their colorful culture in an entertaining way. Particularly impressive was the Haka, a ritual folk dance of the Maori, which they performed with wide eyes and loud shouts
The final bouquet
To the sounds of "Bohemian Dream", the 1 participants marched to the grand finale and once again created an electrifying atmosphere. The Basel Tattoo Anthem "Celtic Crest" and the moving solo of the Lone Piper high up on the barracks tower rounded off a wonderful evening. Finally, the march followed with the "Basler March" and "Scotland the Brave". The visitors were enthusiastic and thanked the participants with thunderous applause. Also the producer Erik Julliard was delighted: "It was a great premiere with excellent performances by everyone involved. The program offers a wide spectrum of musical and cultural diversity. I'm really looking forward to the further performances."
