The Okanagan Military Tattoo is about to go international with some special visitors from South Korea.
The world-acclaimed Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defence Traditional Band is bringing some Asian culture to this summer’s fourth annual event, July 23 and 24 at Kal Tire Place.
“This is a big step for us,” said OMT founder and president Norm Crerar. “We are proud to refer to ourselves now from the Okanagan Military Tattoo to the Okanagan International Military Tattoo.”
Delegates from the Korean band were in Vernon this week to get a lay of the land before the full 65-member group arrives for five days before and during the tattoo.
“They are here for any logistical challenges to get 65 people here in July and also to see what is needed for sound, lights, props... They have been working here the last two days and have seen Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill and were able to go out in a voyageur canoe on Okanagan Lake,” said Crerar at a press conference Monday. “They are also here on a cultural exchange.”
Embarking on the 14-hour flight from Seoul, Maj. Eon-ho Shim, producer, and Maj. Kyu-Myung Lee, conductor, say they are looking forward to the performance this summer.
“The performance will contain beauty, passion and everyone will be able to experience some Asian culture,” said Lee through an interpreter.
The band, which consists of both male and female officers and soldiers from ages 20 to 50, plays a fusion of traditional and western music, added Shim.
“Our Korean military band has already performed in Switzerland, the U.K., France and have had great reviews. We hope to bring the same to the Okanagan area,” he said.
What makes the band unique is the instruments it plays and also the showmanship, with choreography and colourful costumes.
Members play traditional instruments native to Korea, including the large kettle, taiko-like drum known as a modum.
“Most of the instruments in the performance are traditional and have been used for 1,500 to 2,000 years,” said Lee, adding the band also breaks up into ensemble and smaller groups during its performances.
After the band performs in Vernon, it will head to Vancouver, where it will perform at an event dedicated to Korean-Canadian veterans who served in the Korean War.
In addition to the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defence Traditional Band, this year’s OMT will feature the Calgary Stampede Band of Outriders, who proved to be a favourite act at the 2014 event, as well as the Band of the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery from Vancouver and the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the British Columbia Dragoons.
Local pipe and drum bands from the Thompson-Okanagan region and more than 150 local and visiting cadets will also be part of the program, which includes the Tribute to the Veterans.
Tickets for the OMT are now on sale (reserved seating) and can be purchased at the Ticket Seller box office in the Performing Arts Centre. Call 250-549-7469 or order online at ticketseller.ca. More information is also available at okanagantattoo.ca.
– Video courtesy of the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo