Introduction of National Instruments through Museum Concert in Kazakhstan
The museum located within the Astana Governorship in Kazakhstan has taken a unique approach to showcasing national instruments and preserving traditional music. Unlike traditional museums, this museum offers “live concert” classes where visitors can learn about and experience the national instruments of the Kazakhs.
The walls of the museum are adorned with national instruments such as the dombra and kopuz, providing a visual representation of the rich musical heritage of the Kazakh people. Visitors are guided by traditional music masters who explain the history and significance of each instrument in a concert setting.
After each tune played during the concert, a presentation is given on the origin and uses of the traditional musical instruments. Visitors who are able to answer questions about the instruments correctly may even receive a traditional musical instrument as a gift, handcrafted in the museum workshop.
Museum Director, Bayandı Saharyaulı, expressed the museum’s mission to preserve and promote traditional musical instruments, especially those that were destroyed during the Soviet period. The museum aims to expand its collection to include traditional instruments from sister Turkish peoples in the future.
With over 120 types of national instruments among the Kazakhs, the museum serves as a repository of knowledge on the cultural significance and practical uses of these instruments. Saharyaulı highlighted the unique instrument, ‘kerney’, which was primarily used as a voice transmitter during wartime, emphasizing the historical importance of these instruments.
The museum is also home to the Cuci Ethno Folk Music Group, composed of conservatory graduates and masters specializing in national instruments. Members of the group provide practical demonstrations on how the instruments are played and even offer workshops on instrument making.
Azamat Bakya, a member of the group and a collector of traditional instruments, emphasized the importance of the museum as a source of information for young artists seeking to learn about traditional music. The museum’s “live concert” classes have attracted both local and foreign visitors, showcasing the cultural richness of Kazakhstan’s musical heritage.
In conclusion, the museum in Kazakhstan stands out as a unique institution that not only exhibits national instruments but also educates and entertains visitors through live music performances and interactive workshops. It serves as a valuable resource for preserving traditional music and promoting cultural awareness among the public.
