Scottish Bagpiper Ross Jennings Charms Kazakhstan with Cultural Exchange
Ross Jennings, a Scottish traveler and musician, has brought his unique blend of culture and music to Kazakhstan. The bagpiper, who has played in 116 countries, found a warm reception in the Central Asian nation, where he performed the Kazakh folk song 'Dedimai au' in Astana.
Jennings' journey began in Almaty, where he was struck by the country's diverse landscapes and cultural pride. He then moved on to Astana, where he was captivated by the city's futuristic architecture and contrasting traditions. Jennings' visit was inspired by Kazakhstan's status as the birthplace of the apple, a topic he had explored on his educational YouTube channel.
The bagpipes served as a cultural catalyst for Jennings, opening doors to conversations and unexpected encounters. He highlighted the warmth of everyday interactions with locals, who were eager to connect with him over music. Jennings played a Kazakh melody on his bagpipes, receiving smiles and nods of recognition from older listeners. His performance of 'Dedimai au' in Astana was well-received, reflecting the strong sense of national pride shared by Kazakhs of all ethnic backgrounds, as noted by Jennings.
Jennings' visit to Kazakhstan, inspired by its unique history and culture, resulted in meaningful connections with locals through music. His journey, which began in 2014, continues to open doors and foster understanding across different cultures.
