WJMF festivalband at Züri Fäscht and Basel Tattoo
The festival band of the World Youth Music Festival (WJMF) provided musical highlights at their two performances at the “Züri Fäscht” and the “Basel Tattoo” and thrilled the audience with their rousing performance. The committed young musicians had a short and intensive rehearsal afternoon to prepare themselves in the best possible way. Under the musical direction of Roman Christoffel, Christian Bachmann and Daniel Rogger, they presented impressive performances in Zurich and Basel. But the focus was not only on the music – the harmonious togetherness also contributed to the success of the two performances.
The WJMF festival band was made up of 64 wind players and 26 drummers in Zurich and 50 wind players and 15 drummers from youth music associations in the Zurich region in Basel. In order to prepare for the upcoming events, the Saturday before the “Züri Fäscht”, rehearsals were intensive and concentrated. With a lot of dedication and commitment, the band managed to put together an impressive repertoire that amazed the audience.
Outdoor concert at the “Züri Fäscht
At the performance at the “Züri Fäscht”, the WJMF festival band showed all its skills and was able to enthuse the audience. Under the direction of Roman Christoffel, an impressive performance succeeded, which was made possible by the perfect preparation and the commitment of all. The performance was complemented with great precision by the tambourine and percussion group, led by Daniel Rogger. “Every time I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the boys for the WJMF festival band! Despite the enormous heat, they give their all, whether it’s marching or concert music,” says Roman Christoffel, conductor of the WJMF Festival Band.
Musical spectacle in Basel
The Zurich band made “e gueti Falle” in Basel again this year. The band presented an entertaining but effective serenade at Barfüsserplatz before the parade, which shortened the waiting time of the young musicians*. Alongside the recruit band of the Swiss Army, “The Pipes & Drums of the Royal Air Force”, the “Eidgenössisches Feldspiel” (STPV) and many other formations from Switzerland and abroad, the WJFM festival band played at the colourful and musical spectacle in Basel’s city centre. They enchanted the more than 120,000 visitors at the roadside with, among others, the “Zurich Sechseläuten March” and Y.M.C.A. The great heat and the short, violent thunderstorm did not disturb anyone. The anticipation of the visit to the early show of the Basel Tattoo was greater.
“The two performances of the WJMF Festival Band at the “Züri Fäscht” and the “Basel Tattoo” were undoubtedly a great success. The musicians inspired us with their skills and their passion for music,” says Pia Siegrist, co-organiser of the WJMF Festival Band. Many thanks to the conductors for their excellent preparation and direction. But also the harmonious cooperation in the background and the support of the many helpers contributed significantly to making these performances unforgettable experiences. The festival band will perform again at the World Youth Music Festival in Zurich in July 2024.
Part of the images: Benno Hunziker