Tag: choral music

Prime Time – It’s my 47th Birthday!

A quick Google search yields many fascinating points about the cultural and scientific significance of prime number 47. One of my favorite factoids is that it was often used as running gag or an easter egg found in dialogue, on tech displays, and in shield percentages in Star Trek episodes. Here I am, referencing Star Trek (TNG, always)! I mean, this is full-on middle age.

Turning 47 feels like entering a new era of life.  It feels like a new beginning, like starting from scratch. As I refine and redefine myself and my purpose, I feel like a child in a big scary world. And yet, I can feel myself growing. 46 was one of the most difficult years of my life. Disappointment, loss, and despair seemed to increase around me daily. But I’m entering my 47th year with the knowledge and experience to weather storms like never before.

As the songs says, “the clouds grow thickest when the summit’s nigh.”


Conducting

Carnegie Hall, March 12-15, 2027

Carnegie Hall, 2019 – Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Become a ZSR Singer, and join me, along with other outstanding choruses from both school and community programs, for rehearsals and an unforgettable performance of Shawn Kirchner’s SONGS OF ASCENT, accompanied by professional orchestra and enhanced by stunning artistic projection.

Under the direction and artistic vision of yours truly, participating singers will take the stage at world-renowned Carnegie Hall (pictured) in New York City – an inspiring milestone that builds confidence, and strengthens musicianship. 

READY TO SIGN UP TO SING WITH ME IN NEW YORK? 


2027 ZSR SINGERS SUMMER INTENSIVE – ALMOST TIME!

We have a location! We’ll be hosted by Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia, and registration opens June 1. Here’s the updated flyer:


Singing

Here’s a snap shot of what it can be like to sing choir music together for fun with people you love!


For Fun

Happy May!

Tonality Presents: “Put Your Guns Down” – A Powerful Musical Reflection

Tonality Presents: “Put Your Guns Down” – A Powerful Musical Reflection 🕊

Join Tonality for the world premiere of “Put Your Guns Down,” a deeply moving new multi-movement work by Alexander Lloyd Blake, reflecting on the life and legacy of Ahmaud Arbery.

✨ Featuring Special Guest Vocalist: Zanaida Robles✨

🗓 When: May 24, 2025

📍 Where: TBD

Through music, we honor Ahmaud Arbery’s story and spark critical conversations about justice, remembrance, and change. Don’t miss this poignant and powerful performance.

Concert poster for In Her Image by Accord Treble Choir, featuring a large white flower with fiery center on a dark background, with concert dates and locations.

Accord Presents: In Her Image (Brooklyn Concert)

Join Accord for “In Her Image,” a stunning concert event featuring powerful and thought-provoking treble choral music that reflects on the many facets of womanhood.

This dynamic program includes a world premiere of “Incantations” by Composer in Residence Stefania de Kenessey, alongside works by celebrated composers Eva Ugalde, Katerina Gimon, Zanaida Robles, Joan Szymko, Libby Larsen, Chen Yi, Sarah Kirkland Snider, and more.

Concert Dates & Locations:

• Manhattan: April 5, 2025

• Brooklyn: April 26, 2025

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of gorgeous and provocative music that uplifts and explores the female experience.

Tickets:

Purchase Manhattan Tickets

Purchase Brooklyn Tickets

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

“Limits & Imaginary Lines”: EMU Choir

Abstract digital illustration of a choral performance event titled ‘Limits & Imaginary Lines,’ featuring a celestial landscape with glowing musical notes and luminous lines symbolizing boundaries and transcendence.

Promotional artwork for ‘Limits & Imaginary Lines’ – a choral performance exploring music beyond boundaries.

“Limits & Imaginary Lines” — EMU Choir Concert Series

February 16, 2025 | 7:00PM – 9:00PM

📍First United Methodist Church of Ypsilanti Sanctuary – 207 Washtenaw Avenue, Ypsilanti

The Eastern Michigan University Choir presents “Limits & Imaginary Lines, “ featuring works by Bach, Edward Bairstow,  Ola Gjeilo, Edward Grieg, Moses Ogan, Susan LaBarr, Frank Martin, Marianne Martinez, Owain Park, Uris Praulins, Zanaida Robles, Stravinsky, Thomas Tallis, and Hyo-Won Woo.

This concert is part of the First United Methodist church of Ypsilanti’s year-long bicentennial celebration.

🎟️ FREE Admission

📅 Additional Performances: 

  • Feb. 1 | 2:00 PM – Salem High School, Plymouth
  • Mar. 4 | 7:00 PM – Saline High School, Saline
  • Mar. 7 | 7:30 PM – Pease Auditorium, EMU, Ypsilanti

🔗 More Info: tinyurl.com/emu-choir-Feb-Mar-2025

 

The work

I’m somewhere in between Juneteenth and Independence Day. I feel fiercely American. I feel fiercely Black. Balancing various aspects of my identity is challenging. While I’m finally proud of who I am and where I come from, I am still learning to live authentically and humbly in community with other Americans who are both the same and different from me. In other words, I’m still trying to “do the work.” I inhabit creative spheres where ADEIB and social justice are at the forefront of our consciouness – where we often talk about “doing the work,” which means…well what does it mean??

I asked Perplexity, a conversational search engine, to define “doing the work.” Here’s what it said:

“The phrase “doing the work” is often used in personal development, professional growth, and social justice contexts. It generally refers to the process of putting in effort, time, and energy to achieve a goal, improve oneself, or address important issues…The key aspect of ‘doing the work’ is that it often involves challenging oneself, facing uncomfortable truths, and making consistent efforts over time. It’s about taking active steps towards growth and improvement rather than passively hoping for change. This phrase emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and commitment in achieving meaningful progress in various aspects of life.”

Welp…there you have it.


Soundcloud Song of the Month

Veni Sancte Spiritus

by Zanaida Stewart Robles

I guess you could call it my best seller!
Listen to Veni Sancte Spiritus by on #SoundCloud


Composition

My piece “Once I filled My Hand With Mist” in the Out From the Shadows Series with Gentry Publications, edited by Marques L. A. Garrett and James Green, is here!

Check out the video below, or…


Conducting

🎶 Join the ZSR Choir Intensive! 🎶

Are you a singer aged 15+? Take part in an intergenerational summer choir experience that will:
✨ Sharpen your choral skills
✨ Serve your community
✨ Rediscover your love for choral music
✨ Engage spiritually and culturally through music

FEATURING: Musical Selections from “Songs of Ascent” by Shawn Kirchner

Program Fee: $100 (Suggested Donation)
Proceeds benefit Neighborhood Church Music Programs

📅 Dates:

Aug 5, 6, 7, & 8: 7:15 – 9:15 PM Piano Rehearsals
Aug 10: 10 AM – 12:30 PM Dress Rehearsal
Aug 11: 9 AM CALL, 10 AM Church Service
📍 Performance Location:
Neighborhood UU Church
301 N. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103

🎤 Limited to 50 singers! 🎤

🗓️ REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 22, 2024

Register now and be part of something special! 🌟


For Fun

Memories from The Lion King in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl – still unpacking this transformative experience.

Favorite Summer Cocktail: Spicy Mango Whiskey Sour

Felicity, singing and SLAYING IT with the Zaire King Band at the Laguna Beach Music Festival

Summer trampoline workout thwarted by cats

Welcome to summer!