On the night of October 29-30, 1937, the NKVD executed more than 130 members of the intellectual elite of Belarus. Among them were poets, writers, scientists, cultural activists, and public and state figures of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.

The concert will take place in a non-accidental and prominent place, at the Sybir Memorial Museum in Białystok, at 6:00 p.m. That evening, we will hear songs, poems, and stories about the lives of the executed and repressed authors, performed by the Volny Choir and Belarusian actors.

Volny Chor is a unique cultural phenomenon, a musical and political movement that emerged during the protests in Belarus in 2020 and became a symbol of the revolution for millions. The choir performed the most iconic Belarusian songs and anthems, organized flash mobs in streets and public spaces, appearing out of nowhere and quickly disappearing. Today, the activities of the Volny Choir are banned in Belarus.

The concert will feature pieces based on the poems of the poets executed on October 29, 1937, including Ales Dudar, Ciszka Hartny, Michas Charot, as well as works by authors who survived sentences, prisons, labor camps, forced emigration, but remained active in Belarusian culture: Mikola Shchahloŭ-Kulikovich, Natalla Arsiennieva, Mikola Ravienski, Michas Kavyal, Dzmitry Vierasau, Volha Burnos, Siarhei Novik-Piajun, and others. Pieces by Uladzimir Terauski, the composer and conductor of the first Belarusian choir, who was executed in 1938, will also be performed, as well as the works by other contemporary composers.

During the concert, Volny Choir will perform, for the first time, the first unofficial anthem of Belarus, which appeared in the early 20th century: “Belarusian Marseillaise” (“We Must Have Slept for Ages…”), lyrics by Aliaksandr Mikulczyk, music by an unknown composer, harmonized by Uladzimir Terauski, arranged by Halina Kazimirowska. The concert will also feature the premiere of “Our Song”, music by Halina Kazimirowska, lyrics by Michaś Kavyl.

The event is artistic in nature.

VOLNY CHOIR – “I Am Not Guilty!”

October 29, 2024 / 6:00 p.m.

The Sybir Memorial Museum, Węglowa 1, Białystok

Organizers: Centre of Belarusian Culture in Białystok, the Sybir Memorial Museum

Partners: Tutaka Foundation, Belarusian Radio Racyja

Centre of Belarusian Culture in Białystok is a newly established cultural
institution in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, whose mission is to promote and
popularize Belarusian history and culture.  

NUMBER OF PLACES IS LIMITED