Zanaida Stewart Robles

Sleeping Choral Giant: Rediscovering the Works of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
2023-02-22 | Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States

Brightest and Best: A Christmas benefit
2022-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Come hear music that will get you in the holiday spirit and support our church choir’s trip to sing Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast with Zanaida at Carnegie Hall! Featuring Christmas favorites such as Star in the East, The Christmas Song, Carol of the Bells, and sing-along favorites, plus a sample of the music to be performed at Carnegie Hall on our tour!
Soloists include Miriam Adhanom, Adrian Bañuelos, Michael Fausto, Carla Jaime Perez, Cesáreo Pérez and Zanaida Robles, with pianist Wells Lang. Suggested donation $20, Or use the QR code to support the trip even if you can’t attend the concert!

World premiere -- 'Guidelines'
2022-12-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2022-12-10 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Belleville Congregtional Church – Newburyport, MA, 300 High St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
SATURDAY, December 10 at 7:30pm
SUNDAY December 11 at 2pm
Belleville Congregational Church, Newburyport, MA
The Newburyport Choral Society presents the world premiere of my composition Guidelines as part of their winter concert called “In Terra Pax.” Guidelines is a commissioned setting of the poetry of Newburyport poet Rhina Espaillat.

"Lady in Blue" in Tonality concert
2022-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Olive Rehearsal Hall — The Colburn School, 200 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Tonality performs my composition Lady in Blue as part of their concert called “Right to Heal,” which takes a broad look at healthcare and its inequalities:

“This concert will take a broad look at healthcare and its inequalities. From the treatment of healthcare workers and the need for care for our LGBTQ community to the conversation around reproductive health, these selections will focus on the rights as human beings to receive medical assistance in a more justified process.”

Get tickets here

"One True Joy" Choir Concert
2022-12-03 20:00 - 22:00, 2022-12-01 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Mary’s College Chapel, De La Salle Dr, Moraga, CA, 94556, United States
December 1 & 3 @ 8:00 p.m
FREE, contributions welcome:
STMARYS-CA.EDU/CHOIRGIVES
This concert features Glee, Chamber and Jazz Singers sharing beloved classics (by Lassus, Byrd, and Dello Joio) and lesser known but fabulous pieces by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Carlos Chavéz, Buddy Johnson, Billie Holiday, André Thomas, and Zanaida Robles. The not-to-be-missed concert will also showcase Zoe McCray’s new arrangement of Beyoncé’s Pretty Hurts, holiday carol-singing, and soul-stirring jazz and sacred works by Bay Area composer Greg Murai.
Masks are required. Please bring your own.
Parking is available to the left of the entrance gate for 50 cents/hour at the Visitors’ parking kiosk via credit card only.

Music Sunday! Church Service featuring Hiawatha's Wedding Feast
2022-08-14 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
The Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Celebration, held in honor of the composer’s 147th birthday, will feature two special performances showcasing the Black-English composer’s sacred choral music, and his masterpiece Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. Curated and conducted by Artistic Director Dr. Zanaida Robles, “Sacred Choral Music of Coleridge-Taylor and Robles” will take place Friday, August 12 at 7 p.m.; “Music Sunday! Church Service featuring Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” will take place Sunday, August 14 at 10 a.m. Both events will be held at the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena.
The “Sacred Choral Music of Coleridge-Taylor and Robles” program features a cross section of sacred works, including two settings of Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Coleridge-Taylor and Robles, and Robles’ Ecstatic Expectancy with percussionist Dave Tull, which blends classical choral music with rock improvisation.
“Music Sunday! Church Service featuring Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” includes music by Native American composers set alongside Coleridge-Taylor’s multi-cultural fusion of Native American legend, classic American poetry, and English late-Romantic music. The text for Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast comes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1885 poem, The Song of Hiawatha. While there is much to criticize about his blatant appropriation and flagrant alteration of several aspects of Native American culture, Longfellow made what he believed was a genuine attempt to honor indigenous heritage by writing his epic poem based on Henry Schoolcraft’s transcription of the orally transmitted stories told by Schoolcraft’s Ojibway wife, Jane. Despite its inaccuracies and problematic nature, Longfellow’s alluring yet misguided work helped to dramatically increase national awareness and preservation of Native American culture. The history of the Hiawatha legend and its storytellers is complex, and performing Coleridge-Taylor’s musical setting of a small portion of this story is an opportunity to clarify and correct the narrative by centering the stories, artistry, and experiences of indigenous Americans.

“Researching the life and work of Coleridge-Taylor has been an eye-opening experience ever since I first discovered his music as an undergraduate student in vocal performance,” said Robles. “It is a privilege and joy to present this celebration, which is part of a larger commitment to expand the choral canon and uplift underrepresented voices, including Indigenous artists and composers.”

The Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Celebration is the first of several stops on the road to Carnegie Hall, where the Harvard-Westlake Choirs and Orchestra from Southern California will perform Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, conducted by Robles, and presented by National Concerts. The work was last performed at Carnegie Hall in 1915 as part of a “Concert of Negro Music” conducted by renowned conductor/composer J. Rosamund Johnson (the same who composed “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”).
Coleridge-Taylor’s most celebrated work, Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast is a shining example of his command of musical form, texture, harmony, and orchestration, which resulted in overnight fame and respect among colleagues that few men of color could have hoped to enjoy in the early twentieth century. Because of his incredible success in a field dominated by white males at a time when racism in America was peaking, Coleridge-Taylor’s influence on Black artists and intellectuals was powerful and far-reaching. It is regrettable that such a monumental work declined into virtual obscurity after Coleridge-Taylor’s death at the young age of 37 in 1912. But these performances shine light on this important work by a composer who still inspires the American musical community, just as he did a century ago.

Sacred Choral Music of Coleridge-Taylor and Robles
2022-08-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States

Coleridge-Taylor with musical guests
2022-05-01 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Zanaida conducts “Jubilate Deo” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Neighborhood Chorus is joined by guest organist James Walker and members of the Donald Brinegar Singers and Pasadena Pro Musica.

Harvard-Westlake Spring Choral Concert
2022-04-28 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Harvard-Westlake School, Upper School Campus -- 3700 Coldwater Canyon Rd., Studio City, CA, 91604, United States
Featuring Wolverine Chorus, Bel Canto, Chamber Singers, and Jazz Singers
Zanaida conducts her piece “She Lingers On” with the HW Dance Ensemble performing “There” choreographed by HW Dance instructor Queala Clancy

World Premiere: "Mass in E minor" with Southern Tier Singers Collective
2022-04-24 19:30 - 20:45 (America/New_York) | St. Patrick’s Church, 9 Leroy Street, Binghampton, NY, 13905, United States
April Horizons

Sunday, April 24, 2022
7:30 PM 8:45 PM
St. Patrick’s Church (map)

Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles is a composer, conductor and singer based in Los Angeles, California. Commissioned with the generous support of Visions Federal Credit Union, her Mass for unaccompanied choir is an expansion of her exquisite a cappella Kyrie.
Written specifically with STSC’s sound and St. Patrick’s acoustics in mind, the completed work will constitute a major contribution to the choral repertoire by a brilliant young Black American composer.
Free and open to the public; no tickets required.
Voluntary donations gratefully accepted.

NHMEA All-State Treble Chorus
2022-04-07 - 2022-04-09 | Concord High School, 170 Warren St, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
April 4/7, I’m conducting the Treble Honor Choir for the New Hampshire Music Educators Association in Concord, NH
Read more about the
New Hampshire Music Educators Association

The Tune In Festival: Program 3 STAY STRONG
2020-10-30 21:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Fri, Oct 30, 2020 at 4:30PM PDT (but Tonality starts at 9pm)
Prerecorded Live in Los Angeles and Elsewhere
Online

4:30PM PDT – Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely
5:45PM PDT – Dan + Claudia Zanes
6:40PM PDT – Get Lit
7PM PDT – Ash Grove Alumni
7:30PM PDT – Sweet Honey in the Rock
8:15PM PDT – Perla Batalla
9PM PDT – Tonality
Program 3 offers a family friendly evening of performance featuring acclaimed children’s duet Dan + Claudia Zanes; followed with appearances by the Get Lit Players; alumni of the legendary Ash Grove Folk Festival; the Grammy Award-winning ensemble and CAP favorites, Sweet Honey in the Rock; and L.A.’s Perla Batalla and Tonality Chorus.
Learn more about Tonality
See the original event page for this event on CAP UCLA’s website

Postponed: You Are Not Alone
2020-05-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90020, United States
Never fear — Tonality will be back! Please bear with us as live events are on hold during the COVID-19 crisis. We’ll update this calendar as soon as possible.
Tonality sings of the labels placed on those with mental illness. Additionally, the concert explores how we can be of support to members of our community who need compassion, understanding, and validation.

Canceled: Upper School Jazz Combo Concert
2020-03-22 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Harvard-Westlake School, Upper School Campus -- 3700 Coldwater Canyon Rd., Studio City, CA, 91604, United States
This event has been canceled due to the coronavirus health crisis.
Also Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm

Canceled: Upper School Jazz Combo Concert
2020-03-21 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Harvard-Westlake School, Upper School Campus -- 3700 Coldwater Canyon Rd., Studio City, CA, 91604, United States
This event has been canceled due to the coronavirus health crisis.
Also Sunday, March 22 at 4pm

Canceled: Chapter Three: A Call to Restore
2020-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90020, United States
Please keep an eye on the ensemble’s website for any further updates or rescheduling.
This concert will speak to the various perspectives of the justice system, focusing on stories from many roles within the system and how we all have a duty to live out the “restorative” aspects of forgiveness and empathy.

NANM GRGIII Branch Meeting
2020-03-14 | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM)

Monthly meetings for the George Robert Garner III Branch take place on second Saturdays.
Please contact Zanaida if you’d like more information about this organization, membership, or this year’s national convention.

Services at Neighborhood Church
2020-02-23 | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
The Neighborhood Bells play Fanfare for Bells by Mary McCleary. Zanaida conducts the Neighborhood Chorus singing “Hehlehlooyuh” by James Furman.

Premiere, "She Walks in Pools"
2020-02-22 | Fresno, CA
Zanaida’s brand new work, “She Walks in Pools“, was commissioned for the CCDA SSAA All-State Honor Choir and addresses the timely subject of depression and anxiety. The piece will be premiered on Saturday, February 22 in Fresno, CA during the California All-State Music Education Conference.

"What is Home"
2020-02-16 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave, New York, NY, 10019, United States
The Harvard-Westlake Upper School Choirs travel to New York City to sing in Carnegie Hall with the National Concert Chorus and Treble Chorus presenting a concert entitled “What is Home.” Zanaida makes her debut as a conductor in this historic venue. Students will also work with guest conductors Jeffrey Redding, Tesfa Wondmagegnehu, and Sandra Snow, along with featured composers Stacey V. Gibbs and Andrea Clearfiled. Get tickets here

Services at Neighborhood Church
2020-02-16 | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
The Neighborhood Section Leaders perform music on themes of love and heart break. Wells Leng plays the Theme from Terms of Endearment by Michael Gore and “Go the Distance” by Alan Menken.

Services at Neighborhood Church
2020-02-09 | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Zanaida and the Neighborhood Section Leaders perform music of Christina Aguilera and Rachel Platten. Wells Leng plays Intermezzo in E Major Op.116, No. 4 by Johannes Brahms and Prelude from Tombeau de Couperin by Maurice Ravel.

Services at Neighborhood Church
2020-02-02 | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Zaniada conducts her own arrangement of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” with soloist Christie Lynn Lawrence. Wells Leng plays Prelude in C Minor BWV 921 by JS Bach and the Star-Spangled Banner as performed by Jimi Hendrix.

Services at Neighborhood Church
2020-01-26 | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Zanaida conducts “Wanna Baraka” arr. by Shawn Kirchner and “Show Us How to Love” by Mark Miller. Wells Leng plays “We Can Work it Out” by Lennon and McCartney and “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Portnoy and Angelo.

My 16th Wedding Anniversary!
2020-01-17

The Meaning of Kwanzaa
2019-12-29 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Our December holidays conclude with an uplifting service honoring Kwanzaa, the annual festival celebrating African culture and values. We especially invite our local Pasadena community to join us for this eeucational and inspirational Sunday, with original music composed by Dr. Robles, live drumming, and storytelling from Malaika Tawasufi of the African American Cultural Center of Los Angeles.

This Shining Night
2019-12-24 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Traditional Christmas Eve Service
This traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service will feature the Neighborhood Church chorus conducted by Dr. Zanaida Robles, the Bells of Neighborhood conducted by F. Thomas Simpson, and homily by the Rev Lissa Gundlach.

Let Heaven and Nature Sing
2019-12-24 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 90041, United States
Family Christmas Eve Service
Bring the whole family to sing your favorite carols and celebrate Christmas with Matt, Lissa and Zanaida, featuring joyful holiday choral music and the Bells of Neighborhood.
