Top Secret Drum Corps will be a hit at SA TattooBuz Publicity08/04/2008 17:22:25 
Switzerland’s sensational Top Secret Drum Corps will be a hit at SA Tattoo One of the world’s most sensational drumming groups, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, is the headline international act at the first-ever SA Tattoo at Montecasino in Johannesburg between September 11 and 14. Appearing in South Africa for the first time ever, Top Secret was formed in 1990 by a group of enthusiastic, talented young drummers from the Swiss city, Basel.  They shot to fame after performing in the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada, which earned them an invitation to appear at the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2003 – the first Swiss participants in the Scottish show. Their amazing, energetic and interactive percussion style drummed its way into the hearts of Tattoo spectators and was followed by a flood of invitations to appear at Tattoos around the world. They are now one of the most sought-after groups of their kind and their appearance at the SA National Tattoo is a coup for the organisers.  Top Secret fuse furiously fast, and exceptionally precise, drumming that will leave you gasping for more. Their drumming is combined with clockwork-precision visual effects including drumstick juggling and flag spinning, combined into a new and innovative art form which displays astonishing virtuosity and energy. Featuring snare drummers, bass drummers and a colour guard, the band is also a regular act at the annual Basel Tattoo. Top Secret has its roots in the rich drumming traditions of Basel, the band`s home city, which is known for its annual “Fasnacht” carnival. Basel is said to have over 3,000 active drummers who perform at traditional events such as Fasnacht, and various parades associated with the city`s guilds. Basel’s drumming style is militaristic, derived from the drumming drills of Swiss soldiers dating back the Middle Ages. Top Secret adheres to the tradition but has developed it. Its drummers play at a much faster rate. Also, while traditional Basel drumming is sombre and favours traditional marching tunes, Top Secret`s drumming style is upbeat and playful. Segments of their routines feature a “rhumba” a drummer`s duel, drumstick juggling, exploding flagpoles, and other humorous details. Because of their 18th Century uniforms and precision work, the band is often referred to as a military band or a part of the Swiss Army, but it is not affiliated with any military unit. Top Secret`s members are highly dedicated drummers with diverse day jobs -- bankers, civil servants, factory workers, etc. They give up their free time to practice nearly every day. They are the subject of a documentary film by Swiss television which recounts their rise to fame at the Edinburgh Tattoo. A feature film based on the Edinburgh endeavour is currently in the works. Top Secret have performed around the world: at Twickenham in the UK; in Shanghai in China, , Sydney in Australia, San Francisco in the USA, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales and all over Europe, including France, Germany and Denmark; to name but a few. “We are delighted that they have agreed to come to South Africa. They are going to blow you away and will leave you begging for more, “says Steve Howell, General Manager of Montecasino. Claudio Rudin, a member of the Top Secret Drum Corps, says, “We are really looking forward to going to South Africa. I’m sure that the crowds will enjoy our show and we are excited to be part of, and to see, the first South African Tattoo.” All tickets can be booked at Computicket Media Queries: Bridget van Oerle / Anele Sigidi BUZ Publicity 011 673 4995 / 9272 083 263 6991 FAX 011 388 4404 info@buz.co.za PO BOX 1149 Auckland Park 2006 Arts and Culture Trust Publicist of the Year 1999/2004 |
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