Words and Images Courtesy of the Virginia Arts Festival
MARCH ON!
A Celebration of Resilience!
April 28 – May 1, 2022
NORFOLK, VA. – The largest spectacle of music and might in the United States, The Virginia International Tattoo will MARCH ON April 28 - May 1 with a triumphant return to Scope Arena. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary season, the 2022 Tattoo features an all-new international cast, a musical tribute to “March King” John Philip Sousa, and an emotional celebration of the resilience of the human spirit.
“In 2021, the Virginia International Tattoo was the only major Tattoo in the world to present public performances,” said J. Scott Jackson, Producer/Director of the Virginia International Tattoo. “In 2022 we will once again lead the way as the first to present performances with an international cast. We hope that you will join us as we March On!"
Imagine if Hollywood decided to create an old-fashioned epic motion picture with a patriotic theme and you had a chance to see it performed live. You would have a huge cast, stunning costumes, intricate choreography, a dramatic musical soundtrack, moments of sheer spectacle, stirring pride and patriotism, a really good villain, and 2 hours that flew by way too quickly. Replace the villain with bagpipers and you have the Virginia International Tattoo!
Tickets are on sale now and available at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.
What is the Tattoo?
Presented annually as part of the Virginia Arts Festival, the term Tattoo evolved from a European tradition dating back to the 17th century when Low Country innkeepers would cry “Doe den tap too!” – “Turn off the taps!” as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters.
At the heart of all Tattoos across the world is a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. But each Tattoo is different and is influenced by the culture of the country they represent. Fans of these massed spectacles of music and might flock to the world's great Tattoos: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. But the greatest Tattoo in the United States, and the most patriotic in the world, is the Virginia International Tattoo.
Attending the Virginia International Tattoo
When:
Thursday, April 28, 7:30 pm
Friday, April 29, 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 30, 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 1, 2:30 pm
Where: Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia
Tickets and Information: www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Stay up to date: Follow the Virginia International Tattoo on social media platforms @VaTatt and subscribe to our Virginia International Tattoo YouTube page for the latest and greatest content, behind-the-scenes, cast takeovers, and more!
2022 VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CAST
CANADA
2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Pipes and Drums
Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, 14 Wing Pipes & Drums
Canadian Forces Base Shearwater, 12 Wing Pipes & Drums
Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums
JORDAN
Jordanian Armed Forces Band
Jordanian Armed Forces Pipes and Drums
NETHERLANDS
Band of the Netherlands Mounted Arms Regiment
UNITED KINGDOM
Pipes and Drums of the Highlanders, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Andy Carlisle’s Tartan Army
Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums
Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Hampton Roads Police Color Guards
Old Dominion University Concert Choir
Tidewater Pipes and Drums
U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band
U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Herald Trumpets
U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company
U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band
U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band
Virginia Children’s Chorus
Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dancers
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
*Subject to changes and additions
About Virginia Arts Festival The Virginia Arts Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The largest and most prestigious performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Arts Festival has transformed the region's cultural scene, presenting great performers from around the world and making this historic region a cultural destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world. Over the past 25 years, the Festival has welcomed visitors from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 25 foreign countries. The Festival has presented over 1,438 performances, free community events, and student matinees and workshops reaching over 1.2 million attendees. Each season, millions more are reached through international broadcasts of Festival performances on American Public Radio's Performance Today, nationally on PBS TV, and regionally on WHRO TV. Over 32% of ticket sales come from outside the region, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to local museums and attractions and filling regional hotels and restaurants. The estimated annual economic impact of the Festival exceeds $25 million.