On January 23, a major concert dedicated to the birthday of Vladimir Semyonovich Vysotsky will take place at the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin (RHSC, Friedrichstraße 176–179, 10117 Berlin). Its symbolic theme is traditionally expressed in the title “Thank You for Being Alive”. The concert will serve as a tribute to this remarkably multifaceted personality: poet, theatre and film actor, author and performer of his own songs, writer, and screenwriter.

Vysotsky realized himself primarily in the genre of the author’s song. His extensive work in this field is characterized by a wide thematic range, including street life, prison-camp themes, war, satire, everyday scenes, fairy tales, and “sports” motifs. His poetry was distinguished by depth and sharpness of hidden meanings, as well as a clearly articulated moral, ethical, and civic stance.

Vysotsky’s creative path began in his youth, when he wrote his first poems and later composed music for them, accompanying himself on the Russian seven-string guitar. Over the years, he created more than 600 known songs and over 100 poems, played around 30 roles in film and more than 20 roles on the theatre stage, and gave a total of approximately 1,500 concerts.

In 1986, Vladimir Vysotsky was posthumously awarded the title Honored Artist of the RSFSR. In 1987, he posthumously received the USSR State Prize for his portrayal of Gleb Zheglov in the television film “The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed”.

Vysotsky’s songs consistently found a strong emotional response among millions of listeners, both in the Soviet Union and abroad. They were sung at private gatherings and on major stages, at celebrations and official concerts alike. He was valued for his rare sincerity, emotional precision, and ability to speak to his audience as equals. Vysotsky sang from the heart, vividly and deeply conveying the inner experiences of his characters — both in his songs and in cinema. Even during his lifetime, he became a truly “people’s artist,” a title implying a special way of life combining recognition of talent, creative achievement, and social influence.

Vladimir Vysotsky passed away at an early age. On January 25, 2026, he would have turned 88 years old. Nevertheless, his work, multifaceted talent, and unique intonation remain close and relevant to many people of different generations today.

In memory of the great poet, the concert program was prepared by Vlad Mayer, for whom the work of Vladimir Vysotsky is an integral part of life. Performed by him and accompanied by the Russian seven-string guitar, iconic works by Vysotsky will be presented.

The concert program includes many well-loved songs, such as:

“Fastidious Horses,” “The Wolf Hunt,” “Song About a Friend,” “The White-Smoke Bathhouse,” “The Sail,” “I Don’t Like It,” “The Horizon,” “The Ships,” “Morning Gymnastics,” “Dialogue at the Television,” “The Paced Horse Run,” “Lyrical Song,” “The Summit,” “On Bolshaya Karetnaya,” and others.

All works will be performed in Russian.

The concert “Thank You for Being Alive” in Berlin will not merely be a musical evening, but also an opportunity to once again connect with the living word, intonation, and inner truth of Vladimir Vysotsky’s творчество, whose legacy continues to resonate beyond time and borders.

Concert duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Start: 7:00 PM

Admission is free, with prior registration on the website:

https://my.weezevent.com/konzert-danke-dass-du-lebst