A resident of the North Kazakhstan region has collected
around 200 types of musical instruments. Yuri Bakai’s collection includes
dombyras, guitars, violins, balalaikas, xylophones, castanets, flutes, and
pipes. However, the majority consists of button accordions, bayans, and other
accordions, with their numbers growing each year. To add to his collection, he
searches for instruments across Kazakhstan and beyond. Many items in the collection
have survived historical eras and carry memories of the past. One of the most
treasured pieces is an accordion passed down from his uncle, who carried it
through World War II. The musician and collector chose not to restore the
instrument, preserving it as it was when he received it.
«This is the button accordion of Ilya Vasilyevich Podlobko,
a World War II veteran. He brought it
back from the war, and it was passed down to me. You can see a piece of a
soldier's belt sewn into it. There was a hole, which has been patched with
epoxy resin or something similar. It still sounds beautiful,» he said.
In addition, Bakai leads a children's rural ensemble. The
kids play not only the button accordion but also other instruments. They are
currently preparing to take part in music competitions abroad.
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