On September 28, the Liu Xing Street Folk Culture Exhibition Hall in Yining was buzzing with activity, as visitors chatted softly and admired the exhibits. Suddenly, the lively tunes of an accordion filled the air, pulling everyone’s attention toward the performers — the Yili National Unity Accordion Band. The beautiful melodies garnered applause, making the accordion players the focus of everyone’s admiration.
After finishing a captivating piece titled “Hawthorn Tree,” the band seamlessly transitioned into “Fragrant Apples.” When they then launched into “My Motherland and I,” the audience joined in, humming along. For over six years, the band has volunteered to perform in various locations where their music is welcomed, spreading beauty and hope through their enchanting tunes.
I had the opportunity to speak with the band’s leader, Guo Shunmin, who explained that the vibrant accordions behind him are part of a remarkable collection donated by Alexander Zazulin, a resident of the Liu Xing Street community in Yining.
Alexander, who is of Russian descent, started learning to play and repair accordions at the age of ten under the guidance of his father, a craftsman. By the age of fifteen, his passion for these instruments led him to start collecting, ultimately amassing over 800 accordions from 27 different countries.
In 2018, the Yining government invested 3.2 million RMB to establish a dedicated Accordion Collection Museum covering 1,200 square meters. Without hesitation, Alexander donated his entire collection. That same year, after witnessing the local community’s love for accordion music during various cultural performances, he invited friends to form a folk band. This initiative attracted more accordion enthusiasts from various ethnic backgrounds, leading to the formation of the Yili National Unity Accordion Band, which today includes members ranging from 23 to 66 years old.
“Liu Xing Street is a historically rich area in Yining where people from various ethnicities coexist harmoniously. Through ongoing interactions and the blending of our cultures, we’ve grown like one large family, fostering unity and friendship, while our diverse lifestyles and traditions influence one another,” Alexander shared. He expressed his deep affection for Xinjiang and revealed that his family collectively decided to donate their beloved accordions. “Life is short, but the love for the accordion knows no bounds. It’s important to transform this passion into action, contributing valuable artistic treasures to our country.”
Since its inception, the band has performed hundreds of volunteer shows each year. Be it a wedding or a cultural gathering, every member is eager to showcase their best efforts whenever called upon.
Bilali Hudabayati, a 66-year-old ethnic Uighur who has cherished the accordion since childhood, shared, “Joining the accordion band has truly enriched my life. Regardless of the scale of the performance, we all come together, ready to share our enthusiasm and the finest music with our audience.”
“Even though we speak different languages, music creates a bridge for our communication. We give our all in every performance. The connection we create for a common cause is incredibly fulfilling,” noted 25-year-old Kazakh musician Amanhaly Reshberde. Reflecting on his journey with the band, he mentioned how it has helped him become more outgoing and broadened his perspective. Their performances have been featured on respected platforms such as CCTV’s “Folk Songs of China” and “Golden 100 Seconds,” and team member Haizatuola was recognized as a “Model Individual for National Unity and Progress.”
Today, the band has expanded to include 19 members, comprising retired teachers, civil servants, former workers, and recent graduates. Each member adjusts their schedule to perform free concerts for visitors at the exhibition hall, responding enthusiastically to various events. The ensemble represents 13 different ethnic groups, and when they aren’t performing, they enjoy outings, learning new music, and socializing, as they gather weekly for community-building activities. “By immersing ourselves in different cultures and music, we continuously seek to improve ourselves,” Ma Weijun remarked, proudly sharing that he has learned several Uighur songs.
“We use our music to convey emotions and express love, with the hope of introducing more people to the accordion and sharing the beautiful stories and sounds of our hometown with the world,” Guo Shunmin concluded.
