Talented Ensemble
Off to Italy and France
By JIM MCWILLIAMS
VANCOUVER - Forty members of two well-known local groups will represent Canada at two international tattoos, the annual Festival international de Musiques militaires in Albertville, France, and the Festival Internationale di Bande Militari in Modena, Italy.
"The Vancouver Police and Tartan Pride will be the first Canadian groups of their kind to ever appear at either Festival, so they are excited about us coming," says Drum Major Bruce Eburne, "but probably not as excited as we are," he adds with a wide grin.
The ensemble will celebrate Canada Day in Rome this year followed by an appearance before one of the "Wonders of the World," the Coliseum.
After a short stay in the Eternal City, they will visit Pisa on their way to Albertville, France, where they join bands from around the world. After four days performing in the former Olympic venue, they will return to Italy for the main show in Modena.
In February Drum Major Eburne reconnoitred the venues, met the organizers, and sampled both French and Italian hospitality. "These are very professional organizations, and both Tattoos have been in operation a long time. We'll certainly be kept busy with 21 performances in total, but we'll have a great time - reward for a lot of hard work."
Certainly the two groups have been working hard to polish two unique shows combining piping, drumming, choreographed Highland dance, and fancy drill. Half the shows will be relatively informal, staged in town squares, but the remainder will be at Albertville's former Olympic Rink and the Ducal Palace of Modena.
These performances will be before huge crowds, reminiscent of the Edinburgh Tattoo and Netherlands National Tattoo where the VPPB performed in recent years. But there will be one major difference. "We are not part of a massed band, as is usually the case," explains Eburne. "This time we are a feature attraction, with our own 20 minute show. Consequently rehearsals have been different - and a lot of fun. We will be playing some pretty unusual pipe music."
Joan Murray, the Director of Tartan Pride, is equally enthusiastic. "What a great opportunity! We are delighted the band invited us to add an extra dimension to their performance.
"Of course, it is a lot of hard work to prepare for such an ambitious show - actually two different shows, but we dance because we love it. And the chance to represent Canada in Europe again is wonderful."
Like the Police band, Tartan Pride is well-travelled, having previously appeared in France, Austria, the Netherlands, Scotland, and various North American venues.
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