Bishkek, Oct. 19, 2026 /Kabar/. On October 18, a joint marching parade featuring the Swiss wind orchestra "La Landwehr de Fribourg" and the Orchestra of the General Staff of Kyrgyz Armed Forces took place in Bishkek. Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy reports.
The musical procession moved along the capital’s central streets from the intersection of Erkindik Boulevard and Zh. Bokonbaev Street to the National Historical Museum. This marked the first time in its history that one of Europe’s oldest wind orchestras has visited Central Asia.
The official portion of the event included remarks by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Kyrgyzstan, Siroco Messerli; Member of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) Gulya Akmatkulova-Kozhokulova; and the President of the "La Landwehr de Fribourg" orchestra, Pierre-André Page.
The participants emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening friendly relations between Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland. The Swiss ambassador noted that music helps transcend linguistic and national boundaries, and that the joint performance by the orchestras served as a symbol of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
"La Landwehr de Fribourg" is the official musical ensemble of the Canton and City of Fribourg, founded in 1804. For over 220 years, the orchestra has preserved and developed Swiss musical traditions, participating in state ceremonies, official receptions, and international cultural events.
The visit was organized by the "Commercial Bank KSB" (CJSC) and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic. The cultural program will continue on October 21 with a masterclass led by Swiss musicians for students of the K. Moldobasanov Kyrgyz National Conservatory. On October 22, a concert titled "Melody of Two Mountain Nations" is scheduled to take place at the Abdylas Maldybaev Kyrgyz National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The program will feature works by both Swiss and Kyrgyz composers, including a collaborative performance that integrates traditional Kyrgyz instruments with a European wind ensemble.
The visit aims to strengthen cultural ties between Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland and to foster cooperation in the fields of the arts and musical education.
