Presidential Band of the Russian Federation

The Presidential Band of the Moscow Kremlin Commandant's Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (Russian:Президентский оркестр Службы коменданта Московского Кремля Федеральной службы охраны Российской Федерации) shortened to the Presidential Band of the Russian Federation (Russian:Президентский оркестр Российской Федерации) is a special military unit that is the official military band service for the President of Russia. It is the main band that plays at official ceremonies and receptions for high-ranking officials that visit Russia, including heads of state, heads of government, and diplomatic delegations. Although it is not an official military unit, it is affiliated with of the Military Band Service of the Armed Forces of Russia. Unlike the Special Exemplary Military Band of the Guard of Honor Battalion of Russia, which shares a similar role, the Presidential Band is the official band of the President of Russia and is based in the Kremlin.

History
The Presidential Band of the Kremlin Regiment of Russia was established in September 1938, being originally named the Moscow Kremlin Commandant's Orchestra. On January 11, 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin ordered the band was renamed to its current title. The band plays at large number of concerts, in Russia and abroad, performing at prestigious venues and major international festivals. Since autumn 2004, the band has taken part in the changing of the guard in the Kremlin, which was revived that year. In addition to the wind orchestra, the band also includes a symphonic orchestra and a symphonic pops orchestra, making it possible to broaden the repertoire from classical and folk music to rock compositions.

The band cooperates with Russian and foreign celebrities, such as Iosif Kobzon, and Ken Hensley.

Currently, the repertoire of the band includes 16 ballet performances, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. The band has given more than 700 performances in the Grand Kremlin Palace, as well as foreign theaters such as, the Kennedy Center, Madison Square Garden, the Rome Opera, and the Friedrichstadt Palace.

List of Conductors

 * N. Mirovym - (1938–1947)
 * V. Dalekiy - (1942–1957)
 * V.Udalov - (1957–1958)
 * Grigory Smushchenko - (1958–1968)
 * V. Ivanov - (1972–1996)
 * Pavel Ovsyannikov - (1996–2004)
 * A. Orlov - (2004–2010)
 * Vera Krylova - (2010–Present)

Events
The Presidential Band plays at various events. It has performed on the following occasions in Russia and foreign countries.


 * Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo
 * Inauguration of the Russian President
 * Bolshoi Theater

Awards

 * Lenin Komsomol Prize (1982) - For its great work in the education of youth and its high performing skills

Links

 * The Presidential Band & Guard at the Rosenberg Tattoo in 2008.