Vedran Smailović facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vedran Smailović
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Smailović in Sarajevo, 1992
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| Background information | |
| Born | 11 November 1956 Sarajevo, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Cellist, composer, pedagogue |
| Instruments | Viola, violin, violoncello |
Vedran Smailović (born November 11, 1956) is a famous Bosnian musician. He is often called the "Cellist of Sarajevo". During the siege of Sarajevo, he bravely played his cello in damaged buildings. He even played during funerals, often while snipers were nearby. His courage inspired many songs and a book. He later moved to Northern Ireland. Today, he works as a composer, conductor, and performer.
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Early Music Life
Vedran Smailović played in several important orchestras in Sarajevo. He was part of the Sarajevo Opera and the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra. He also played for The Symphony Orchestra RTV Sarajevo and the National Theatre of Sarajevo.
The Cellist of Sarajevo's Story
Smailović became known worldwide for his brave cello playing. He famously performed Albinoni's "Adagio in G Minor" for 22 days. He played in a ruined marketplace in downtown Sarajevo. This was after a bomb attack had killed 22 people waiting for food there.
He managed to leave Sarajevo in 1993. This was during the second year of the siege. The siege lasted for a very long time, from April 5, 1992, to February 29, 1996. People sometimes think he was part of the Sarajevo String Quartet, but he was not. That group continued to play throughout the siege.
Music Inspired by Vedran
Many artists were inspired by Smailović's actions. Composer David Wilde wrote a piece for solo cello called "The Cellist of Sarajevo." The famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma even recorded it.
Paul O'Neill said Smailović's performances inspired the song "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." This song was performed by Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Folk singer John McCutcheon also wrote a song for him, "In the Streets of Sarajevo." A South African singer, Coenie de Villiers, wrote a song in Afrikaans called "Die tjeiis van Sarajevo" (The cellist of Sarajevo).
Books About His Story
Canadian author Elizabeth Wellburn worked with Smailović. Together, they created a children's book called Echoes from the Square (1998).
Another Canadian author, Steven Galloway, wrote a bestselling novel in 2008. It was called The Cellist of Sarajevo. In this book, a cellist plays every day at 4:00 pm for 22 days. He plays at the same spot to honor the 22 people killed by a bomb. They were waiting for bread on May 26, 1992. However, the story in the book, including the time of the attack, is made up.
Smailović was very upset about the book. He said, "They steal my name and identity." He wanted an apology and money for the harm caused. In 2012, Smailović and Galloway met. Galloway explained that he did not mean to cause any harm. He just wanted to tell a fictional story based on the events.
Life After Sarajevo
Vedran Smailović left Sarajevo in late 1993. Since then, he has worked on many music projects. He performs, composes, and conducts music. He now lives in Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland.
The My Hero Project named Smailović a "Hero's hero." This shows how much his bravery is admired.
See also
- Inela Nogić, Miss Sarajevo 1993
- Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo, a documentary film about a couple killed trying to escape from Sarajevo
