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 a difficult time called the siege of Sarajevo, he played his cello in damaged buildings. He even played at funerals, often while snipers were a danger. His brave actions inspired many songs and a book called The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway. Vedran Smailović later moved to Northern Ireland. He now works as a composer, conductor, and performer.
Contents
Early Music Career
Vedran Smailović played music in several important groups in Sarajevo. He was part of the Sarajevo Opera and the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra. He also played with The Symphony Orchestra RTV Sarajevo. Another place he performed was the National Theatre of Sarajevo.
The Cellist of Sarajevo's Story
Smailović became known worldwide for his cello playing during the siege. His most famous act was playing Albinoni's "Adagio in G Minor" for 22 days. He played in a ruined marketplace in downtown Sarajevo. This was after a bomb had killed 22 people who were waiting for food there.
He managed to leave Sarajevo in 1993. The siege lasted a very long time, from April 5, 1992, to February 29, 1996. People sometimes mistakenly think he was part of the Sarajevo String Quartet. That group also played music throughout the siege.
Inspired by His Bravery
Many artists were inspired by Vedran Smailović's actions. Composer David Wilde wrote a cello piece called "The Cellist of Sarajevo" in his honor. The famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma recorded this piece.
Paul O'Neill said Smailović's performances inspired the song "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." This song was made by the bands 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).
Canadian author Elizabeth Wellburn worked with Smailović on a children's book. It is called Echoes from the Square (1998). Another Canadian author, Steven Galloway, wrote a bestselling novel in 2008. It is called The Cellist of Sarajevo. The book has a character based on Smailović. This character plays the cello every day at 4:00 pm for 22 days. This is to honor the 22 people killed by a bomb while waiting for bread. The book's story about the bomb attack is fictional. Smailović was upset about the book. He felt his name and story were used without his permission. In 2012, Smailović and Galloway met. Galloway explained he did not mean to cause any harm.
Life After the Siege
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 organization The My Hero Project recognized Smailović as a "Hero's hero."
See also
In Spanish: Vedran Smailović para niños
