China's first grand military band festival began on Thursday in
Nanchang, capital of east China's
Jiangxi Province, capturing attention both at
home and abroad.
The event, known as the "2006 China Nanchang Military Band
Festival", attracted China's four top-level military bands
including the Chinese People's Liberation Army Band and two world
renowned bands from Russia and Britain.
Alexander Mikhaylov, the conductor of the Russian Frontier
Guards Band, told Xinhua that his band received an invitation to
the festival about a year ago and had prepared well for the
event.
"It's our honor to perform at the birthplace of the Chinese
People's Liberation Army (PLA). We will present more than 20 songs
to our Chinese friends this time," Mikhaylov said.
Sgt. Johnston, from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipe and Drum
Band, said that his band regarded their attendance as an honor, and
added that it is a fabulous opportunity to showcase traditional
Scottish kilts and bagpipe music for Chinese audiences.
An official with the organizing committee said the three-day
festival was being held to mark the city's pride in being the PLA’s
birthplace.
The festival will also include a military music parade, public
performances, indoor marching performances and a military band
artistic forum, said the official.
(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2006)
