Maria Kolesnikova

Maria Kolesnikova

Belarusian flutist, teacher and political activist
Date of Birth: 24.04.1982
Country: Belarus

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Musical Career
  3. Political Activism
  4. Involvement in the Protests
  5. Formation of the "Together" Party
  6. Abduction and Alleged Deportation

Maria Kolesnikova: Belarusian Flautist, Educator, and Political Activist

Early Life and Education

Maria Kolesnikova was born on April 24, 1982, in Minsk, Belarus. Her parents were engineers, and she has a sister named Tatyana Khomich. Kolesnikova graduated from the Belarusian State Academy of Music as a flautist and conductor. At the age of 17, she began teaching flute at a high school in Minsk.

Musical Career

Kolesnikova performed as a flautist in the opera, the National Academic Concert Orchestra of Belarus under the direction of M. Ya. Finberg, and the Presidential Orchestra of Belarus. In 2007, she moved to Germany to study Baroque flute at the University of Music Stuttgart. She remained in Germany for 12 years, performing actively in concerts and organizing international cultural projects.

Political Activism

In 2020, Kolesnikova became the coordinator of Viktor Babaryko's campaign in the Belarusian Presidential election. After Babaryko's arrest, she joined forces with Veronika Tsepkalo and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to form a united opposition.

Involvement in the Protests

Kolesnikova played a prominent role in the mass protests that followed the election. She addressed workers, officials, diplomats, security forces, and television employees, urging them to join the movement. On August 18, she became a member of the Presidium of the Coordination Council, which aimed to facilitate a peaceful transition of power.

Formation of the "Together" Party

On August 31, Kolesnikova announced the creation of the political party "Together."

Abduction and Alleged Deportation

On September 7, Kolesnikova was abducted by unknown individuals in central Minsk. Reports emerged that she had attempted to resist deportation to Ukraine, tearing up her passport. The Belarusian State Border Committee later claimed that she had crossed the border into Ukraine illegally, but Kolesnikova's whereabouts remain unknown.

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