Library of Belarusian State Academy of Music presents thematic exhibition “Vladimir Olovnikov – singer and patriot”, prepared to 105th anniversary (January 16, 1919 – July 31, 1996) of composer, teacher People’s Artist of BSSR.
Vladimir Olovnikov is the brightest representative of Belarusian composer school and Belarusian national culture. His talent is diverse and limitless.
Even during the time of studying in the conservatory he wrote his first compositions in chamber genre. There were romances based on the texts of V.Brusov, three parts of string quartet, piano plays. In 1940 in Minsk was held open concert of chamber music compositions by V.Olovnikov and later that year he was accepted into Union of Belarusian Composers. But his art activity was interrupted by the Great Patriotic War. On the last day of his exams, on June 22, 1941, he volunteered for the front, walked the difficult roads of war, from the first to the last day of the great battle, from an ordinary soldier to a captain, commander of an artillery division. He was awarded two Orders of the Great Patriotic War of the II degree. Military years were lost for art but front-line experience would become the leitmotif for many of his musical compositions. Olovnikov firmly believed: “Each who made a feat, deserves to be glorified”. For heroic-patriotic songs about Dovator, Zaslonov, Gastello, Gorovets, Karbyshev, Vera Khoruzhaya, about heroes of Brest Fortress, about Podolsk cadets V.Olovnikov was awarded golden medal named after A.Aleksandrov (1982).
All-peoples love and popularity were brought by songs “Motherland, my beloved” based on the poems of A.Bachilo, initial motive of which became signal of Belarusian radio, “Forest song:” based on the poems of A.Rusak became the symbol of the republic as well as music for films.
V.Olovnikov worked in the genres of symphonic, chamber-instrumental and choir music as well.
In 1947, right after demobilization, he changed shoulder straps into piano keys and became a teacher of musical-theoretical disciplines in Belarusian State Conservatory. Being one of the first graduates (1941) V.Olovnikov was its rector for about 20 years (1962-1982). He was engaged in social and party activity. In 1987 V.Olovnikov received the title of the Honored citizen of Minsk; a memorial plaque was installed on the house where he lived. Documental film “And song flies itself” (1982, director V.Orlov) is dedicated to him. Art labor activity of the composer was awarded two Orders of Labor Red Banner, Order of Mark of Honor, as well as Certificates of Honor from the Presidium of the Supreme Council of BSSR. Name of V.Olovnikov was given to Bobruisk Children Musical School № 2 (2001).
Books, monographs, encyclopedia editions, scientific articles, manuals of Belarusian music history, music editions, editions of Belarusian music literature, audio recordings of compositions of V.Olovonikov, photo documents are presented in exhibition.
Exposition is placed into foyer of the Great hall of educational building № 1 (International street, 30) from January 15 till March 25, 2024.
