Biography

Mariela Shaker, born 1990 in Aleppo, Syria, started playing the violin at the age of ten when she
joined the Arabic Institute of Music in Aleppo in 1999. She graduated from the institute in 2004
with distinctions. Mariela had been a very active performer in Syria and took part in many
festivals and concerts in Aleppo. Recent engagements of hers in Aleppo have included a solo
violin recital in the Directory of Culture and in the St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Cathedral.
Mariela has received many accolades in Syria and was invited to participate in the Dubai
Arabian Competition and to play with the Emirate’s Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, she
joined the Syndicate of Artists in Syria.

Mariela taught the violin for five years at the Arabic Institute of Music. In 2011, she gave a live
audition in London, and subsequently received an offer to complete her music studies in the
Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music. In 2013, Mariela survived the war in Syria after
receiving a full tuition scholarship to attend Monmouth College and to study Music Performance
for her second Bachelor’s degree. She previously received her first Bachelor’s Degree in
Business Administration from Aleppo University. Prior to just graduating from Monmouth
College, Mariela received an honor for Excellence in Music Performance. She has also been
awarded a full tuition academic scholarship to study for her Master’s in Music Performance at
DePaul University.

Mariela is a member of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony Orchestra. From 2013 to 2015, she
served as a concertmaster for the Monmouth College Chamber Orchestra. Mariela appeared as a
concert violinist when she performed solo with Mesopotamian Symphony Orchestra in
California Theater. Mariela gave her debut recital at the Kennedy Center on June 20, 2015 in
celebration of World Refugee Day which has been organized by UNHCR. Mariela has been
selected as Champion of Change for World Refugee by president Obama and was honored at the
White House, 2015. Now, Mariela uses her music to build bridges and raise awareness of the
plight of the Syrian people. In 2016, she participated in Women in Conflict Peace Fellowship by
Beyond Borders Scotland and performed for a packed hall in present of the first Minister, Nicola
Sturgeon.

Shaker has played for members of the U.S. legislature. Most recently, she performed and spoke
at the United Nations, UNHCR, International Rescue Committee, World Relief, Lincoln Center,
Georgetown University, George Washington University, Arab American Institute, Pentagon
Conference, Asfari Foundation, Saied Foundation, Brooking Institute, Aspen Ideas Festival,
Points of Light, Syrian American Medical Society, Lincoln Center, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Loyola University, University of California Riverside, The Barbican Center
(London), King’s College Chapel (Cambridge), Harvard University among many other places.
Shaker is a High Profile Supporter for UNHCR, Service Ambassador for Points of Light and
Peace Ambassador for World Council of Arameans. Her courageous story has been profiled by
the Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Buzz Feed Woman’s Day and many
others. Mariela is trying to use her music to build bridges and promote peace and raise awareness
for the plights of the Syrian people. What is remarkable about Mariela is that as a refugee, not
only her music is heard, but her voice for refugees in need! Though her own family has no
electricity and many times she is unable to have contact, she perseveres for this noble cause.

”Your performance, as you’ve heard me say already, was just beautiful.  Quite extraordinary.  Mariela, you play every single note with your entire being.  We can see you feel the music from head to toe. Amazing! Thank you so very much for gracing us with your gifts.  It means so much to our team and to UNHCR as a whole to have you be part of what is a very momentous occasion for us. Thank you for always being so incredibly supportive.”  Jennifer Abraham, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Team (after the performance in Geneva)

”I cannot thank you enough for your time and generosity on Monday night. The performance you gave was breathtaking and the stories you shared of your own experience as a refugee were an essential component to the evening’s success. Thank you for giving so generously of your time and talent.”  —Cate Blanchett

”What a truly wonderful performance you gave at the Hands Up for Syria event on Monday 9 May. Everything about it was perfect: your excellent selection of pieces; your tremendous musicality; and your very well-chosen words. Every Syrian in the room was proud to be represented by you and every non-Syrian had in you a tremendous example of how cultured, educated, skilled and charming the Syrian people are. Thank you so much for helping to make the evening such a success.”  —Wafiq Said, Karim Rida Said Foundation

”I was touched by your willingness to discuss a difficult and emotional topic with eloquent and grace. By doing so, you helped demonstrate how important it is for the United States to accept and help Syrian refugees. The United States has only begun to benefit from the talents you brought to our country.” Senator Richard J. Durbin

“Mariela, you brought us to tears with the beauty of your music and purpose. We are in awe and can’t thank you enough for such a beautiful, heartfelt performance at our Conference in Detroit. I hope you will let us know how we can be helpful in your journey and look forward to keeping in touch. You inspired so many. Thank you!”  —Tracy Hoover, CEO Chair, Points of Light