Welcome to our 50th anniversary concert

The Pipes and Drums of Geneva pipe band was created in 1976 by a group of Scots working at CERN. Each of them had their own family tartan that they wore with pride. It was therefore decided that the newly created pipe band would not sport a single tartan — contrary to most pipe bands — but would leave each member free to wear the colours of their "clan" or one that they choose themselves.

Since then the Pipes and Drums of Geneva pipe band has always turned out dressed in multiple tartans. It is our brand and our tradition, finding its echo in the international character of the city of Geneva.

Through our choice of music, we explore threads of time connecting the earliest origins of music for the Great Highland Bagpipe, Ceol Mor, to more modern examples. One thread explores our wider Celtic connections, with examples drawn from Irish, Breton and Scottish traditions; another reflects the diversity in the origins and backgrounds of our members. There is a thread of tunes written specifically for our band and we also interweave songs considered by many as anthems for Scotland. We follow the thread of ages which connects our youngest members to our alumni.

And as you imagine us weaving these different threads together, a rich tartan cloth of our very own design emerges.

Following the concert, we invite you to join us for a march through the streets of Geneva.