Between the years of 1992 and 1996 a terrible event occurred at Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is a country next to Italy. During this time there was a terrible civil war in the country. Prior to the war, the country used to be apart of the country Yugoslavia, which was made up of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia. In early 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia, which was immediately followed by the bombings of Sarajevo.

The Siege of Sarajevo was a long and bloody conflict, lasting over 1,000 days making this the longest siege in modern history. During this time, the capital was repeatedly bombed, though that was the least of the people’s worries. Enemy snipers littered the city, picking off anyone they saw not caring if they were men, women or children.

Within Sarajevo lived Vedran Smailovic, a cellist who used to be a member of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra prior to the outbreak of the war. Outraged about what was happening in his hometown and inspired when a bomb went off at a bakery near him, Smailovic decided that he was going to stand up for what was right by doing what he did best, playing the cello.

Despite the constant sniper threat, Smailovic played Tomasco Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor. This piece, which itself was partially destroyed during the bombings of Germany during World War II, was used to mourn the loss of every single loss taken during the war. Every single day for two years Smailovic played to honor the dead. Playing throughout the city and even at funerals despite the danger, he brought his music back to the people during these times. Everyday he played, and everyday he survived all the dangers of war.

Eventually, the war ended and with it the siege. Altogether 10,000 people were killed during the siege, which lasted the entire war. Luckily Smailovic managed to avoid all of the dangers and is still alive today. Having never wanted fame, Smailovic spends his days composing and conducting music in his new home in Northern Ireland.

His bravery during the siege inspired many people and was the inspiration for many musical pieces and other works. David Wilde’s musical piece The Cellist of Sarajevo, which was written for just a single cello to play, was written in honor of Smailovic. This piece was performed and recorded by the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma after which the two cellists embraced, showing the respect Yo-Yo Ma had for Smailovic. Another piece written in honor of this man is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra song Carol of the Bells with the introduction of the piece featuring the cello. Smailovic has also been the inspiration of the book The Cellist of Sarajevo, though he has stated that the book took many artistic liberties with his story.

All it took was one man in a peaceful protest against needless violence to inspire many. All he used, and all that he needed, was the bravery to stand up for what he believed and a cello.