The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces performs in Latvia

The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) had the opportunity to perform with the Central Military Band of the Latvian National Armed Forces and the Latvian National Guard Orchestra. The CAF Central Band performed the Latvian Song and Dance Celebration with both music groups in Riga, Latvia between June 30 and July 8, 2018.

The celebration is considered an essential Latvian cultural event that occurs every five years, featuring a range of orchestras, choirs, and dancers. Also, the CAF Central Band also performed at many other venues around Latvia.

“Canada and Latvia have a close relationship and share many commonalities, including a love of music. The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces is proud to have performed with the Central Military Band of the Latvian National Armed Forces as well as the Latvian National Guard Orchestra at the prestigious Song and Dance Celebration,” said Captain John Fullerton, Commanding Officer CAF Central Band in a press release issued July 9. “It was a truly unique experience to perform among so many talented musicians, singers, and dancers.”

The CAF Central Band is the senior-most band in the Canadian Armed Forces. The group is also one of six full-time Regular Force military bands in the CAF. The band performs professional music for a large number of Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, and Government of Canada events throughout Canada’s National Capital Region.

Currently, Canada is lead in a robust multinational NATO battle group in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE. In keeping up with today’s rapidly changing and unpredictable security environment, Canada stays committed to maintaining and strengthening the transatlantic bond, while providing credible, value-added contributions to NATO operations.