News Release Archive

NOVA SCOTIA TATTOO--TATTOO HELPS CELEBRATE MUSIC
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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.

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Contact: Robyn McIsaac  902-420-1114

trp                    Apr. 1, 1997 - 2:15 p.m.