Syrian Refugee, Who's Also A Violin Virtuoso, To Speak At NCC

The Nassau Community College Spring 2018 Speaker Series program will host a unique speaker when Mariela Shaker brings "Alive From Aleppo: A Syrian Refugee’s Story of Music, Suffering, and Love" to the college on Thursday, April 26. Shaker, a violin virtuoso, will speak about her life growing up in Syria and now as a refugee and an internationally successful musician.

During the conflict in Syria, Shaker graduated from the University of Aleppo, where she studied business administration. She also worked as violin teacher at the Arabic Institute of Music and traveled around Syria giving solo performances. Shaker would seek out Internet cafes, hiding from bomb and mortar attacks, in order to apply to schools around the world. Eventually, she received a full scholarship to Monmouth College in Illinois, where, with a patchwork of financial backing, she decided to get her second bachelor’s degree in music performance. Shaker’s parents and brother remain in Aleppo.

Now 26, Shaker hasn’t forgotten the plight of her fellow Syrians trapped in a war with no end in sight. She speaks about her story and her music, trying to raise awareness about the situation and how it affects everyone who lives there.

“I want to tell the story of my suffering city and people," she said. "I am so keen to deliver a beautiful message through my violin — a message of peace over war and love over hatred. May music help heal the pain our world has felt.”

The talk is free, open to the public. It will be held in Room 252/253 of the College Center Building on Thursday, April 26, at 10 a.m. For more information about the program, call 516-572-7148.

Photo: Nassau Community College