News Release Archive
NOVA SCOTIA TATTOO--TATTOO HELPS CELEBRATE MUSIC ----------------------------------------------------------------- As the province begins its "Celebration of Music," the Nova Scotia International Tattoo, with music at its soul, will present the biggest and best performance in its 18-year history. There will be an international cast of 2,000 from seven countries at the Halifax Metro Centre, July 1-7. "Music featured in the show holds universal appeal with a rousing variety - everything from military, pop and jazz to Celtic, folk and old-time classics," said producer/director Ian Fraser. "The Tattoo also features original musical compositions and arrangements written by Nova Scotians and performed by bands from around the world." From France comes a special treat this year. The Principal Band of the French Foreign Legion will make their North American debut. The Foreign Legion is the only completely professional corps of the French Army and holds a very dear place in the hearts of French people everywhere. For the first time ever, Norway and Estonia will be represented at the Tattoo. His Majesty The King's Guard Drill Contingent from Norway and Club Piruett, a modern rhythmic gymnastics group from Estonia will dazzle spectators of all ages. Returning this year are perennial favourites, The Flying Saxons and The Flying Grandpas from Germany, and The Imps Motorcycle Team, a very young stunt team from the United Kingdom. The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Portsmouth from the United Kingdom represent the culmination of several centuries of tradition and are internationally recognized as one of the best there is. And, in what has become a Tattoo tradition, the German military will be represented by Heeresmusikkorps 9 from Stuttgart. Germany has taken part in the Tattoo every year since 1983. The United States will also be represented in style. The United States Atlantic Fleet Band from Virginia will be appearing for the first time. The Canadian Forces representation is as strong as ever. Continuing the ongoing theme, "Bond of Friendship," a special tribute to Canada's UN Peacekeepers is one of the highlights this year. Since 1942, the Stadacona Band has had a distinguished association with the City of Halifax and have only missed one Tattoo performance since 1979. Made up of members of reserve bands from across Canada, the National Band of the Naval Reserve makes yet another appearance. They are the only military band to have appeared in every Tattoo performance. The Atlantic Area Army Band will return, bringing not only their Brass and Reed players but also a contingent of pipers to augment the massed pipes and drums. The Canadian contingent for the Brass and Reed Band is rounded off by 238 Squadron of the Air Reserves and the Atlantic Region Cadet Band. Pipes and drums will mass from the Air Command, 2RCR, CFB Borden, Regional Cadets, the Delta Police - Vancouver and the Fraser Holmes Memorial Ladies Pipe Band. There will be more than 150 pipers and drummers and 200 military musicians from every corner of Canada. The 150 voice Senior Tattoo Choir is now one of the region's most outstanding musical ensembles. The Children's Chorus, Junior Dancers and Gymnasts will once again delight the audience in the fantasy scene and the Senior Dancers - all 140 of them, will kick up their heels as well. The choirs, dancers, gymnasts and extras will join the hundreds of other performers in what will no doubt be the biggest and best Tattoo ever. With a few added surprises, The Nova Scotia International Tattoo is the perfect opportunity to share in the excitement of the province's "Celebration of Music." To order tickets call the Halifax Metro Centre Box Office at 902-451-1221 or for Tattoo show information call the Production Office at 1-800-563-1114 or 902-420-1114. -30- Contact: Robyn McIsaac 902-420-1114 trp Apr. 1, 1997 - 2:15 p.m.