Swiss Military Small Band in Australia: "Music, battle and war have always been interconnected"

The Swiss Military Small Band is touring Australia for the first time, with four concerts in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. We spoke to lieutenant colonel Patrick Robatel and Swiss Ambassador Pedro Zwahlen to find out more.

Botschafter Pedro Zwahlen und Delegationsleiter Patrick Robatel im australischen Radio Source: SBS

What is the background of the concert tour to Oceania and beyond? How do young Swiss instrumentalists audition for the band? How does their 18-week-service differ from the traditional "Rekrutenschule"? Are they armed? And what is the purpose of a military band?

To find out, listen to the interview, with music performed by the Swiss Military Small Band.

Source: SBS