September 28, 2012. (Romereports.com) The Vatican's police force, knows as the  Gendarmerie, has a musical band. Recently it released album to mark 150 years since Italy's unification. The gesture is full of symbolism since the Gendarmerie, fought to protect the Vatican's territory in the 19th century.

CARD. GIOVANNI LAJOLO
“The unity of a country is always something beautiful.  It's a unity that must overcome opposing ideologies and policies. It's a deeper, fundamental unit, based on the spirit and values that bind a population.”

The new album is a collection that some describe as a journey through Italian history and that includes different musical styles. The  Gendarmerie band was formed in 2007. Now, it has more than 100 musicians who strive to relaunch its musical tradition that began more than 200 years ago.

DOMENICO GIANI
“The Gerdarmería band resurfaced a few years ago because it was actually founded more than 200 years ago. It's something Cardinal Lajolo worked hard for. It includes some of the very best from the conservatory and we hope to offer good music to our audience.”

Every year the Vatican Gendarmerie celebrates the feast of its patron saint on September 29th. This year the band will hold a parade with their new uniforms, which will reflect their tradition.

DOMENICO GIANI
“The new uniforms will reflect the pride of the band. The old uniform was taken from the former Gendarmerie. So it's only fair that the new band have a high ranking uniform.”

The album will be available through iTunes and the Vatican Museums.


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