ABOUT
Photo credit: Nic Duncan
Robert Zielinski is ‘simply one of the best Irish musicians in Australia’
Doug Spencer
former ABC Radio National presenter
Robert Zielinski's Kiangardarup is inspired by his affinity with the Australian bush and informed by his dual career as luthier and Irish music maker, it cuts through rules and genres of music in a pure celebration of life. Rob's outlook and tireless search for truth in music has culminated in the sonic equivalent of a day and night spent at the Torbay Inlet, a treat for the ears and for the soul.’
Lucky Oceans
Grammy award winning pedal steel guitarist,
former ABC Radio National presenter
Robert first heard the fiddle when he was seven and recalls being transfixed by its sound. He grew up in Karragullen in the Perth hills, learning traditional Irish music by ear from Eddie Lowe, then Sean Doherty and later Mick Doherty. Mick was a member of a famous family of traveling fiddle players, storytellers and tinsmiths from Co. Donegal. At 17 he moved to Ireland not knowing anyone there, spending the following 14 years learning from many of the iconic older players of the day. Many traditional Irish musicians have been important figures in Robert's musical journey: Andrew Davey, Paddy Canny, PJ Hayes, Joe Ryan, Junior Crehan, Paddy Jones, Mick Doherty and many more. He taught for three years at the Galway School of Traditional Irish Music and in 2000 won Ireland's Michael Coleman Fiddle Player of the Year Award.
Robert performs on a violin he made for himself while living in Torbay. He has performed internationally and is now concentrating on his new compositions and concerts.​
