Swiss Military Small Band plays in New Zealand, Australia and India

From 27 July to 15 August 2018, the Swiss Military Small Band will provide the musical and military accompaniment at the Swiss National Day festivities at the embassies in New Zealand, Australia and India. During its 20-day tour, the band will give 25 concerts, including performances at other events for Swiss nationals, and will have the opportunity to perform with national military bands from these countries.

The Swiss military bands are excellent flagships and ambassadors for Swiss culture performing regularly at major events in Switzerland and abroad. With the concerts planned in South Asia and Oceania, the Swiss Armed Forces will be supporting the FDFA in its official diplomatic events.

The Swiss Military Small Band comprises 15 talented young musicians who have completed recruit school at the Centre of Excellence for Military Bands. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Robatel, Deputy Commander of the Centre, leads the delegation and First Lieutenant Axel Catillaz is the musical director.

Accommodation, food and transport costs for the tour are covered by the regular budgets of the embassies in New Zealand, Australia and India, and by contributions from Swiss and local sponsors. The musicians' travel expenses and the costs of transporting their instruments are paid by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport.

"The Fifth Switzerland", as the collective of Swiss nationals living abroad is called, comprises around 750,000 Swiss citizens.

Further information:

Kompetenzzentrum Militärmusik
Facebook Schweizer Militärmusik

Address for enquiries:

Stefan Hofer
Armed Forces Spokesman
058 463 37 41

Publisher:

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs