BDAA Founders
Lynn Carpenter
Charley Rappaport
Steve Wolownik
The Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) was formed in 1978 by three musicians interested in the study and performance of Russian and Eastern European music on the traditional folk instruments of Russia -- the balalaika, domra, bayan (Russian accordion) and related folk wind and folk percussion instruments.
In its 30 years of existence the Association has grown to an international membership of over 400, with connections to many orchestras and ensembles worldwide. The common bond is music, and a desire to learn more about it in the company of others with similar interests.
Our quarterly journal, The BDAA Newsletter, features articles of current interest, listings of concert schedules, music, historical references and information on upcoming conferences and tours. A subscription to the Newsletter is included in the annual BDAA Membership fee. — Become A Member Here!
Each year in June or July, the BDAA sponsors The BDAA Convention, a unique week-long experience which brings together members and guests from many countries for a well-organized program of workshops, seminars, study, social events, rehearsals and concerts designed to help attendees improve their musical skills and enjoy the camaraderie of others with like interests. The BDAA Convention has become a summer favorite for many members and their families and we encourage others to join us for these enriching learning and social opportunities.
In the interest of facilitating participation in international festivals related to the balalaika and domra, the BDAA has sponsored tours to Russia, often in combination with stops in other countries. Tours such as these, when available, will be described in the Upcoming Events section of this Website.
The BDAA also supports the archiving of music and related reference materials at the University of Illinois Library, which houses the largest collection of such materials in the United States, as well as other independent musical archives.