Ottawa, Ont. -- The annual military music spectacular on Parliament Hill will this year include several firsts, including a performance by the The Army Gun Race, and a Continuity Drill Team from The Ceremonial Guard. As well, Fortissimo 2006 marks the 25th year of The Band of the Ceremonial Guard.
The performance will begin at 6:45 p.m. on each of three evenings, August 17th to 19th. The final performance will bring together former members of The Band of the Ceremonial Guard, as special guests for the anniversary.
“This is a celebration of much of what the Canadian Forces do in the capital,” says Major Shawn McKinstry, commanding officer of The Ceremonial Guard. “Spectators will see and hear military bands, pipes and drums, traditional uniforms and drill, and of course the firing of artillery salutes. It all comes together in one great show.”
As well as The Band of the Ceremonial Guard, also taking part will be the Central Band of the Canadian Forces, the Peace Tower Carillon, the Ottawa Police Pipes and Drums, and others. The show will include a specially arranged nine-minute segment of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, featuring both artillery fires courtesy of the 30th Field Regiment (RCA).
As well, The Ceremonial Guard will fire a special rippling volley, known as a feu de joie, in celebration and salute.
Fortissimo has been performed on Parliament Hill since 1997. It is not just a band performance, but includes a traditional military ceremony known as Beating Retreat. This harks back to the centuries-old practice of using bands to signal soldiers that it was time to withdraw into camp for the night.
The performance is free of charge. All spectators are asked to be on Parliament Hill by 6:45 p.m. The event will last approximately 90 minutes.
-30-
