September 8 · every year
World Guslyar Day September 8
A day for everyone who makes, plays, teaches and loves the gusli — and its kindred psalteries. First celebrated September 8, 2026.
Until Guslyar Day
This day is for you
Players
Play where people can hear you — on stage, in the street, on air.
Makers
Show the instrument born in your hands. Open your workshop for a day.
Teachers & students
Thank the person who taught you your first strum. Hold an open lesson.
Listeners
Put on some gusli. Go to a concert. Give someone their first sound of the strings.
Kindred instruments are warmly invited — kantele, kokle, kanklės, kannel, and every kind of gusli from every tradition.
The gusli has been heard for more than a thousand years. Epic songs sing of it, Sadko holds it in his hands, it has survived bans, oblivion and revival. Pianists have their day; so do violinists, guitarists, even hussars. Guslyars never did. Until September 8, 2026.
Why September 8
The figure eight is the sign of infinity laid on its side — the way strings lie on a soundboard.
Infinity
Strings on a soundboard, shaped like ∞. Music with no end.
Years ago
In September 2018 the founder began making his first gusli. Eight years later — the first Guslyar Day.
November
World Pianist Day, born in Minsk and now celebrated in 31 countries. Two eights — two strings of one tradition.
Initiator
«Eight years ago I saw a gusli online for the first time. It caught me so deeply that I wanted to make one with my own hands. I built my first instrument — and I haven't been able to stop since.»
He builds gusli at the Guslyar folk workshop, plays them and composes music and songs. Founder of the Guslyar Homestead — a place devoted to the gusli, music and live human connection, in Belarus.
The day belongs to everyone who makes, plays, teaches and listens. It was started by one person — it is carried by all.
Inspired by
Ivan Manko-Vertogradov is the founder of World Pianist Day (November 8, since 2014). His experience of creating Pianist Day became one of the inspirations for World Guslyar Day, and he supports the day at every step.
pianistday.com · November 8How to celebrate
Concert or house concert
Open workshop
Open lesson
Street gusli
Free gusli — play!
Livestream or post
with #WorldGuslyarDay
Any of these is already an event. Put it on the map of the day.
Already celebrating
1 events · 1 countriesYear one
It all starts with you. The numbers of the first Guslyar Day will appear here on September 9.
Voices of the gusli
The gusli sounds different in every pair of hands. Here are players from different countries and traditions. Send us yours — we will add it.
Add your event
Tell us what you are preparing for September 8 — a concert, a lesson, an open workshop or simply a post with your gusli. We will add you to the map of the day.
Become an ambassador
Want to represent Guslyar Day in your country or city? Write to us.
Frequently asked questions
When is World Guslyar Day?
Every year on September 8. First celebrated on September 8, 2026.
Who initiated World Guslyar Day?
Guslyar Yarosvet (Dmitry Bachishche), maker and composer, Belarus. One of the inspirations was the experience of Ivan Manko-Vertogradov, founder of World Pianist Day.
Why September 8?
Eight is the sign of infinity and the shape of strings on a soundboard; in September 2018 the founder began making his first gusli; November 8 is World Pianist Day, whose example inspired the idea.
Is it only for the gusli?
No. All kindred instruments — kantele, kokle, kanklės, kannel — and everyone who makes, plays, teaches or listens to them are invited.
How can I take part?
Play, open your workshop, hold a lesson, take your gusli to the street, or simply post with #WorldGuslyarDay — and add your event on the site.