As an actor, Vladimir Korneev takes roles in various television productions. He performs as a chansonnier in Germany, Europe and overseas, sometimes singing in English, French or Italian. The stage has become a place of safety for him.
The fear of war
Vladimir Korneev was born in Georgia in 1987 when the country was still part of the Soviet Union. His father was a professional soldier in the Russian army and fought in the Afghan war where he was seriously wounded several times.
“My father was then transferred to the German border in East Germany,” Korneev says. When Abkhazian separatists fought in Georgia, the father feared he would have to go back to war. The family fled to Berlin. “We came with a small backpack. It held everything we had,” says Korneev.
His parents’ experiences, the threat of war, fear and constant worry that he could not stay in Germany left their mark on him. As a child he stuttered.
He was supposed to act in a school play. Her teacher said it was still a comedy and that her stuttering would have suited her role. But when he performed on stage, young Vladimir became so engrossed in his role that he no longer stuttered. A completely new experience for him.
Music was his release
His music teacher in Augsburg recognized the boy’s musical talent. He learned to play the piano. His teacher gave him the key to the music room. He could practice anytime and for as long as he wanted.
“The grand piano has always listened to me,” says Vladimir Korneev. He later won the “Jugend musiziert” competition. Through music he was able to process his fears. “Without music I wouldn’t be here now,” Korneev says.
(First broadcast 15 May 2022)
