A joint military band of more than 1,000 officers and soldiers from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is set to perform at the upcoming V-Day military parade on September 3 in Tian’anmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
As the largest military band ever assembled in China’s parade history, the performance will present newly composed pieces, fresh arrangements, and an expanded orchestral configuration. The band will be inspected by the Communist Party of China and the people during the event.
The joint ensemble features musicians from the PLA honor guard band alongside selected performers from other military units. The performance will be led by three chief conductors, all from the honor guard.
According to Huang Yanhui, head of the joint military band, the musical performance will be divided into five parts: warm-up, ceremony, parade inspection, march-past, and finale. Many of the works have been specially composed for this year’s parade.
The band’s arrangements will emphasize both historical reflection and modern innovation. Fourteen formations will symbolize the 14 years of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, while 80 buglers will honor the 80th anniversary of the victory. Highlights include a medley of resistance-era songs during the warm-up and a newly composed “Victory in the War of Resistance” piece during the march-past.
Newly created marches will accompany the passage of different equipment formations and aerial echelons, reflecting the structure and modernization of the PLA in the new era. The musical presentation will also feature expanded woodwind sections, creative brass and percussion combinations, and carefully designed performance movements to enrich the audiovisual impact.
Traditional ceremonial bugle calls will punctuate the proceedings, signaling key stages of the parade such as the salute, inspection, and march-past, reinforcing the solemn and ceremonial atmosphere.
This year’s parade marks the 18th time since 1949 that a joint military band has been organized for a national event.
The grand V-Day parade will take place on September 3 in Tian’anmen Square, serving as both a commemoration of past struggles and a showcase of China’s military traditions in the new era.
