Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Royal Cavalry at the Royal Court Affairs and the Royal Omani Guard, participated in the opening ceremony of the 2023 Tattoo Basel Military Music Show, which is being held in Basel, Switzerland, from July 14 to July 22, with the participation of military bands from various countries of the world. This is an affirmation of Omani-Swiss relations and highlights the Omani cultural heritage.
During the show, the musicians of the Royal Cavalry and the Omani Royal Guard played Omani and international music pieces, and presented a variety of musical compositions, highlighting the civilisational and cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. To celebrate fifty years of Omani-Swiss relations, the musicians formed the number 50 on horseback.
The opening ceremony was attended by a large audience of music lovers from different countries of the world, due to its distinctive variety of musical performances representing different world cultures. This will continue to be presented within the programme until July 22, during the morning and evening.
His Excellency Mahmoud bin Hamad Al-Hasani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Swiss Confederation, said that the relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Swiss Confederation are based on constructive cooperation, respect, exchange of common interests and service of peace, and witness distinguished official visits at a high level between officials of the two countries to strengthen and develop bilateral relations in all fields.
He explained that the participation of the Royal Cavalry and the Royal Omani Guard in the Tattoo Basel show for the year 2023 comes with the aim of strengthening the relations between the two friendly countries, which have reached fifty years of joint cooperation, as well as to promote the Sultanate of Oman and its cultural heritage.
For his part, Brigadier General Ramis bin Jamaan Al-Aweera, Director General of Music at the Royal Guard of Oman and supervisor of military music in the Sultanate of Oman, said that participation in the 2023 Basel Tattoo show comes within the framework of joint cultural cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Swiss Confederation, and to highlight Omani music, which is an opportunity to promote tourism for the Sultanate. Oman is in one of the most prominent music venues in the world.
The Brigadier General indicated that the musicians of the Royal Cavalry and the Royal Guard of Oman will play Omani pieces of music specially prepared for this global event, as they are being played for the first time. This is in order to introduce the public to the uniqueness of Omani music. During the various international participations, many requests are received to play Omani musical pieces due to the fine taste that characterises the Omani rhythms.
He added that the musicians will play Arab and Swiss pieces of music alongside the Omani musical compositions on horseback, stressing that participation in such performances contributes to refining the skills of the musicians through enriching international experiences.
Dr. Sarhan bin Salem Al-Zaidi, Director General of the Royal Cavalry at the Royal Court Affairs, said that the participation of the Royal Cavalry and the Royal Guard comes in response to the invitation submitted by the Swiss Defence Union, and the participation confirms the strong relations between the two friendly countries.
He added that the participation of the Royal Cavalry and the Omani Royal Guard in the Basel Show with various equestrian performances, formations and musical compositions will highlight the cultural and civilisational heritage of the Sultanate of Oman and the modernity and interest that this sector has reached.
It is noteworthy that the Tattoo Basel Military Music show has been held annually since 2006, with participation of many international military bands. It is considered one of the largest military music shows in the world.