Vedran Smailović
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Vedran Smailović (born November 11, 1956), known as the "Cellist of Sarajevo", is a musician from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He played in the Sarajevo Opera, the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Symphony Orchestra RTV Sarajevo, and The National Theatre of Sarajevo.
After the start of the war in Bosnia, Vedran Smailović, just like hundreds of thousands of other residents who endured the Siege of Sarajevo, survived the cold, food and water shortages, the constant bombings and sniper fire in the street.
In 1992, Smailović played his cello for 22 days to honour the 22 people who had been killed while queuing for bread. This act caught the imagination of people around the world. Composer David Wilde wrote a piece for cello called "The Cellist of Sarajevo" in his honour which was recorded by Yo Yo Ma. It was also stated by Paul O'Neill that his act of courage inspired the song Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 by Savatage. Folk singer John McCutcheon also penned a song in his honor, "In the Streets of Sarajevo."
Smailović was also known for playing for free at different funerals despite the alleged history of targeting of funerals by Bosnian Serb forces.
He managed to leave the besieged city in late 1993, and since then has been involved in numerous music projects, as a performer, composer and conductor.
Smailović now lives in Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland.
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