In spite of it all

I want to write about how thankful I am for all the blessings in my life this year; for my family; for my my work at Harvard Westlake and at Neighborhood Church Pasadena; for Tonality, Street Symphony, NANM; for LAMC and the LA Phil; for studio gigs and creative projects; for doctors and physical therapy; for psychologists, behavior specialists and teachers; for coaches and mentors and besties and colleagues, for sports and beer and video games and trampolines and an abundance of food and music…

But honestly, I’ve been going through some stuff. I’ll be okay, but I’ve been overwhelmed lately. I’ve been worried. I’ve been in pain. And sometimes it’s hard to be generous when we’re in pain or in need. We hoard our time, our money, our food, our space. Or sometimes we act carelessly and with ingratitude when we give and give and give at the expense of taking care of our own complex needs. We give away our time and money when we most need it to tend our own homes and souls. We fill up time instead of taking time. We fill up space instead of making space or holding space. Pain, grief, and need take us off balance. And I have been feeling this.

But I AM grateful. And I pray I am kind and loving despite my pain. I hope I remember to look beyond my own circumstance to see (and help meet) the needs of others. I hope I say “you’re welcome” as often as I say “thank you.” And I pray I have the courage, the strength, and the presence of mind to take folks up on their offers of generosity so I can hear the words “you’re welcome” and know the depth of their meaning.

We need balance. And it takes both courage and community to be both grateful and generous.

And it’s complicated, so let’s give ourselves a break.
Happy Thanksgiving.

November 24, 2018 Zanaida 0

Stories from Home

A contemporary reflection of the original Christmas story as it relates to immigration, refugees, and homelessness. Join us as we present ideas about home and how we can be “home” to our fellow citizens! Three pieces on this concert are arrangements/compositions from current members of the ensemble (Nathan Heldman and Alexander Lloyd Blake) and other pieces are from Caroline Shaw, Reena Esmail, Ysaye Barnwell, and more! If you came last year, enjoy new additions to the concert!

Please join us for a light reception after the concert to meet the singers and join in the community.

October 24, 2018 Zanaida 0

Tonality: “Democracy in Action”

Zanaida’s newest work, called “Can You See”, will receive its world premiere performance during this concert.

It was said by a great leader… “Don’t boo… vote.” In Tonality’s first concert of the season, the professional ensemble will sing works that focus on action within our political process, not just anger. These pieces will speak about the ideals of the democratic process, highlight some of our country’s shortcoming, and encourage individual and communal action. Compositions by Shawn Kirchner, Zanaida Robles, Benjamin Britten, Jared Jenkins and more! Also, for those who have not registered to vote? Do not fear! We will have resources available in the concert for that! Also, we are so excited to be in our new home for this year at First Congregation Church Los Angeles! This historic venue is not only mesmerizing, but also hosts a community of leaders who share our interest in social justice and unity. Come join us and join the movement! Info & Tickets

September 24, 2018 Zanaida 0

May 25 is my birthday!

In honor of this occasion, I’m celebrating 10 people/organizations who, through public service and/or artistry have made a deeply positive impact on me since my last birthday.

10. Vincent Robles

<– Duh, he’s my husband. ❤❤❤

9. Morris Robinson

Former football player who is slayin’ the classical singing world with his incredible voice. Uses his FB page as a platform for having dynamic conversations about Black Lives.

8. Shawn Kirchner

Composer/Singer who collaborated with my students and me at Harvard Westlake this past April to present one of the most beautiful and artistically satisfying choral performances in my career as a conductor.

7. Tonality

The choir that is changing the world.

6. Beyonce – Coachella

That is all.

5. NANM

The more time I spend with my “aunties and uncles” in this organization, the more my life is blessed.

4. Craig Hella Johnson

Conductor of Conspirare. We met briefly when he headlined the regional CCDA conference at CSFU this past fall. His message and his music at the conference were sublime. But to speak to him face to face was a total experience. One could drown in the depth of love and passion he brings to his art form.

3. The Weekend

Hip Hop singer/songwriter. I didn’t even really like this artist when I first heard him on the radio a few years ago. But over the last year I’ve become intrigued by the sweet, vulnerable quality of his voice. His song “Pray for Me” which was featured in the movie Black Panther has become a part of my personal inner soundtrack.

2. Mornings with Keshawn, Jorge, and LZ

These dudes on this KSPN morning show crack me up on my way to work. Their banter is usually hilarious and often deeply stimulating with regard to social consciousness. Though it’s a sports radio show, they honor musical artists and talk about current events, thereby making me feel connected to the world beyond my little musical sphere.

1. J. Michael Walker

Visual artist. His paintings of women of color are simply extraordinary. Every single one of his works is bursting with love and radiance. I have been moved to tears on occasion just by the art he shares on Facebook.

May 25, 2018 Zanaida 0

Do You Hear Her? Music for the Voices of Silenced Women

My piece “Lady in Blue” will receive its world premiere. – I was glad to give voice to poetry about one of the most painful experiences a woman can face. It is not an experience with which I am personally acquainted. But Ntozake Shange‘s words about abortion tapped a deep resonance within me. I was 16 years old when I first read these words. At the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts my friend and classmate Gloria Williams felt compelled to dance this poetry to life. She asked me to compose the music. The music came to me instantaneously, as if a desperate woman was singing this song right into my ear. The words, “and nobody came, cuz nobody knew” still strike me. The physical pain, the blood, the intense fear, the profound loneliness in a keeping such an unbearable secret: this is a trauma that maybe never heals. Like I said, it’s not an experience with which I am personally acquainted. But it resonates deeply for me, not just because I’m a woman, but because I’m a human being.

March 23, 2018 Zanaida 0