The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will bring the fable of William Tell to life this summer

As an ambassador for Switzerland, the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band perform at music festivals and Tattoos around the globe. We’re delighted to count them amongst our cast this summer. Wearing their striking red gala uniform, our audiences will be able to easily recognize the group, who are set to entertain with their Stories routine depicting the legendary tale of William Tell. In Swiss folklore, William Tell was a heroic character who saved his community by standing against tyrannical rule. Famous for his marksmanship, Tell was forced to shoot an arrow placed on his son’s head. Our Stories audiences can expect drama, pyrotechnics and a cross bow with this exciting performance! 

Ahead of our opening night this week, we caught up with Company Commander and trumpeter, Captain Roger Hasler to find out more about what the story of William Tell means to him and its importance in Swiss culture.  

What does the story of William Tell mean to you?    

“The story, or rather the legend, of William Tell is known to every Swiss child. It reflects the basic characteristic of the Swiss citizen to stand up for fairness, strengthen the weak and not let himself be defeated. William Tell, or the Swiss, can also be said to have a kind of tenacity!” 

What does it mean to be able to share this legendary Swiss tale with international audiences in Edinburgh? 

“It’s a strong emotional moment for me to present the legend of William Tell, also a piece of Swiss history, with my performance here on the Esplanade and to share these emotions with an international audience. I look forward to our story becoming part of Stories of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2023.” 

For those that don’t know, what is the story of William Tell?  

“Long story – short… 

With the opening of the Gotthard Pass at the beginning of the 13th Century, the region around Lake Lucerne became strategically and economically important. For this reason, the Habsburgs strengthened their claim to ownership of the area. They sent bailiffs into the country who oppressed the people of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden and collected massive taxes. 

The honourable men of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden did not let this happen. On the Rütli Mountain Meadow in 1291, the covenant of the original cantons was sealed with the Rütli Oath. Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden joined forces to drive out the violent Austrian bailiffs Gessler and Landenberg. 

William Tell was a mountain farmer at the time and lived in the canton of Uri. He enjoyed a reputation of being the best and most accurate crossbowman far and wide.  

When Tell visited Altdorf with his son Walter, he was supposed to bow to Gessler's hat which was hanging on a pole. Tell thought nothing of such nonsensical laws and did not comply. He was then detained. 

In punishment for his defiance and to win freedom for himself and his son, Gessler forced Tell to hit a red apple placed on his son's head with his crossbow at a distance of 260 feet. 

Tell takes out two arrows and hits the apple with his first arrow. 

When asked by Gessler what he intended to do with the second arrow, Tell replies that it would have been intended for Gessler if he had not hit the apple. Tell is then captured a second time and is to be taken prisoner by ship to Küssnacht. 

On board the ship destined for Küssnacht a storm strikes Lake Lucerne. Gessler’s men request that Tell is released in order to help save them and prevent the ship from sinking. At Axenplatte, Tell escapes and later finds Gessler in a hollow alley near Küssnacht and shoots the tyrannical bailiff with the 2nd arrow. 

The Bundesbrief (Rütli Oath) of 1291 has been officially considered the founding document of the Swiss Confederation since the late 19th Century. In 1899, the Federal Council finally elevated 1 August to the status of Switzerland's Federal Day.” 

What does it feel like to perform with the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band?  

“Every time I get to perform with the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, it's an incredible feeling and it gives me goosebumps. It’s a great honour to represent Switzerland and its history at the world's best Tattoo in Edinburgh.” 

What should our audiences look out for in your 2023 performance?  

“Of course, the audience should perceive William Tell and his story in our show and let themselves be emotionally carried away. But there are many other details, such as the typical Swiss instrument, a light show and a tribute to Scotland. The best thing is not to enjoy the show just once!” 

Join us on the Esplanade this August to see Captain Hasler and his group perform live. Tickets for Stories available here.