Cosponsored by World Affairs Council of Central Illinois and NPR Illinois
Mariela Shaker, who began playing the violin at age nine, will share
her harrowing story of escape from Syria through inspiring words and
music. Her story has an Illinois connection.
Mariela Shaker, born 1990 in Aleppo, Syria, started
playing the violin after joining the Arabic Institute of Music in Aleppo
(1999). Since graduating from this Institute with honors, she
has continued to win accolades and awards. Mariela taught violin at the
Arabic Institute for Music for five years. She earned full-tuition
scholarships at Monmouth College and DePaul University. She has
performed with the Mesopotamian Symphony Orchestra at the California
Theater, and she gave her debut recital at the Kennedy Center on June
20, 2015 in celebration of World Refugee Day. Mariela was named a
Champion of Change for World Refugees by president Obama and she was
honored at the White House in 2015. In 2017 Mariela was appointed UNHCR
High Profile Supporter. In 2018 Mariela got the Anne Frank Promisekeeper
Award. Mariela is also the peace ambassador for the World Council of
Arameans.
