Johanna Morkos: A Lebanese Violinist Like No Other
By: Noura Abou Hamze / Arab America Contributing Writer
What is a Violin?
A violin is a musical instrument with four strings stretched over a shaped hollow box. Therefore, to play it you hold a violin under your chin and play it with a bow. This is the definition of the breathtaking music instrument that has been there for 500 years now. It was designed in the 1500’s by Andrea Amati.
Sarah Chang, Hilary Hahn, and Janine Jensen are amongst the world’s most famous violinists. To become a professional violinist, you should start practicing from a young age with a 1/16 or 1/8 size violin.
All those geniuses have been a true inspiration for people who want to become a violinist. Seeing them play and hearing the mesmerizing rhythms is truly an amazing thing to witness.
Lebanon is a place where many talented and creative people live. One of them is Johanna Morkos. Despite all the challenges and difficulties, every citizen encounters in Lebanon, Johanna finds a way to shine and spread her mesmerizing music.
Who is Joana Morkos ?
Johanna Morkos is a Lebanese violinist from Chekkah, North Lebanon. She was born in Paris, France. She grew up in a family of musicians who were specialized in Andalusian Tarab style of music.
Johanna’s family has always been very supportive of her during her music career. She started playing violin at the age of six at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music. During her time at the conservatory, Johanna took lessons in music theory too.
Johanna started to perform at international concerts at the age of seventeen. She performed in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.
After Conservatory, Johanna earned a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Lebanon. Moreover, she currently works as a consultant in Interior Design in France.
Johanna continues to develop her own sounds by perfectly bridging Oriental and Western styles together. She is very popular on social media with 33.5K followers on Instagram and 1.43K subscribers on YouTube.
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