The Rigispatzen were founded in 1956 by eleven musicians from Küssnacht under the name "Bauernkapelle Rigispatzen". Since 1963 they have called themselves "Blaskapelle Rigispatzen". The Rigispatzen are the only Blaskapelle in Switzerland to have a club flag and their repertoire mainly includes Bohemian-Moravian folk music. However, modern titles, various solos and local compositions will also be performed, most of which were written by their conductor Very Rickenbacher.
In the anniversary year 2006, the band presented the CD "Ein halbes Jahrhundert" ("A Half Century"). The polka of the same title by Very Rickenbacher is now one of the many highlights at concerts by the Rigispatzen, one of the best Swiss bands. The music of their 5 recordings can be heard regularly on the radio, and they qualified three times for the radio live competition of the ten best bands in Switzerland. Other successes include top placements at various Swiss band meetings.
Since 2003, the Rigispatzen have been making music under the direction of Very Rickenbacher from Küssnacht am Rigi, who played an active part in their ranks as a euphonist from 1975 to 1978 and from 1982 to 1984. The "Blaskapelle Rigispatzen" delights its audience with varied and entertaining performances. The band attaches great importance to a compact, sonorous and soulful interpretation of the music.
Very Rickenbacher and his "Blaskapelle Rigispatzen" from Switzerland succeeded in creating a real polka anthem in 2007 with the title "Ein halbes Jahrhundert" (A Half Century).