Belarusian Bagpipe Tradition in the European Context

Spontaneous bagpipe jam

On December 11, the ”Javar” Ethno-Historical Center brought together young Belarusian bagpipers, scholars, and ancient music lovers to discuss the roots of the Belarusian bagpipe tradition in the context of European culture. The conference was a part of the U.S. Embassy Small Grants Program sponsored project aimed at the preservation and popularization of the unique Belarusian bagpipe music heritage. The participants shared the outcomes of their  research about the origin of Belarusian bagpipe music and its interrelation with European mythology and folklore. Mr. Zmitser Sasnousky, a front man of Stary Olsa Medieval Folk Band  and a key leader of the project, informed the participants about ethnographic summer expeditions and their results and presented a newly published CD of the Belarusian bagpipe music that included archival records dating back to 1930s. Vibrant informal discussions of bagpipe making techniques and styles, insights into bagpipe teaching methods and practices as well as demonstration of authentic instruments made the event very educational and dynamic. Bagpipe jams that burst out during the conference breaks and captured the attention of all participants culminated with master classes by established bagpipers that concluded the event.