Between 24 July and 2 August, the Swiss Military Band will lend its support to Swiss National Day festivities at five Swiss Embassies in south-eastern Europe and among Swiss nationals living in Greece, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. A small ensemble of the Swiss military Band, formed especially for this tour will perform the best of Swiss hymns, songs, folk music and traditional music.

Swiss Army Band orchestras are outstanding ambassadors of Swiss culture, and are regularly present at important events in Switzerland. The orchestras also perform at international events, and thereby contribute to promoting international understanding. By performing in south-eastern Europe, the orchestras also provide musical support at official diplomatic events of Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Swiss Military Small Band consists of 13 talented young musicians who completed their basic military training at the Centre of Competence for Military Bands. The delegation is headed by Lt Col Patrick Robatel and the musical director is LFC Enrico Calzaferri.

Over 7,000 Swiss nationals are currently registered as residents of Greece, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. The ‘Fifth Switzerland’, as Swiss nationals living abroad are collectively known, comprises about 740,000 Swiss citizens.