A well-known classical conductor and professor is being celebrated at the University of Saskatchewan for his large donation of exotic instruments.

David Kaplan joined the university's music faculty in 1960, teaching music theory, music history and world music. He later became the head of the department — a position he held for nearly 20 years.

The Kaplan Instrument Exhibit is now open in the school's music department, showcasing more than 100 instruments donated from his personal collection.

Kaplan has travelled extensively for about 30 years, building a collection of musical instruments from around the world.

"The instruments give me a door to the understanding of cultures because when you understand where the instruments came from, what they were made out of, who were they're destined for, you learn about the culture," said Kaplan.

Kaplan hopes to donate 200 more instruments to the university in the future.