THE MUSICAL DRIVE OF THE KINGS’ TROOP ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY

The Musical Drive comprises six teams of ten horses, each with seven riders, plus four officers and four Section Commanders. They are all Irish Draughts (type of horse), all cared for by the soldier riding it with a crucial back up team to provide extra support. The Drive combines daring moves carried out at varying speeds to dramatic music. By the time they reach the gallop, you will be gripping the edge of your seat and the guns aren’t there just for show!

THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY

The Household Cavalry comprises soldiers from both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals regiments, two of the oldest and most senior regiments in the British Army, dating back to 1660. They are seen carrying out ceremonial duties at many of the large State and Royal ocasions throughout the year.

However, this does not mean that the Household Cavalry does not serve a more traditional military role as well. Most of the soldiers and officers are in fact ’dual-trained’ and as such could be draughted into battle in times of serious conflict.

Visitirs will be treated to a display of speed and precision from the Musical Ride which compromises 26 horses and riders and a drummer. The high level to which this close knit team is trained becomes obvious as horse and rider perform in perfect harmony.

STATE ACADEMIC KUBAN COSSACK CHOIR

Professional musical activities began in the Russiansouthern border region of Kuban in 1811, when therenowned Black Sea Army Choir was born, led by Orthodox Priest Kirill Rossinskyand conductor Grigory Grechinsky. In 1861 it was renamed as Kuban Army. Suspended in 1921 due to Civil War, itre-emerged in 1936 under the direction of Grigory Kontsevich and YakovTaranenko, former conductors of the Kuban Army Choir.

In 1971 the Choir won its first award at theInternational Folk Festival in Bulgaria,followed by numerous other prizes at many festivals and contests both at homeand abroad. In 1974 the direction of the Choir passed to Viktor Zakharchenko, whosucceeded in fulfilling his wide artistic and scholarly aspirations. Under his guidancethe Choir brought to the fore the authentic folklore of the Kuban Cossacks. Distinctivecharacters manifested themselves in folk songs, rites, dances and scenes fromeveryday life with a new feeling of freedom and improvisation, so that a truefolk theatre came into being.

Between 1988and 1993 the Choir was awarded the Order of the Friendship of Nations, theShevchenko State Prize of Ukraine and the "Academic" title. In 1996 the legal continuityof the pre-revolution Kuban Army Choir and the Kuban Cossack Choir wasofficially acknowledged.

Today, in additionto vigorous concert and travel activities, the Choir carries out dedicatedresearch, study and interpretation of vocal and dance lore of the KubanCossacks. In doing so it greatly contributes to the revival and development ofour priceless cultural heritage as well as to the spiritual and patrioticeducation of the Russian people.