Acclaimed traditional Irish fiddler Robert Zielinski has made a name for himself blending the sounds of his heritage with the inspiration of Western Australia’s natural landscapes.

Growing up in the orchard district of Karragullen, Western Australia, Zielinski’s childhood was steeped in nature. “As a kid, I spent most of my time outside in the bush either working or riding my horse or bike,” he recalls via an email exchange with Celtic Life International.

His introduction to music came early, as he listened to records with his sister and took in the talents of his uncles, both professional guitarists. “They bought me a guitar when I was seven, but I really hated it. One day I almost used it as a raft to get over to an island in a swamp, so that was the end of that.”

It wasn’t until Zielinski heard the violin that his path became clear.

“The sound went right through me, and I suddenly felt like everything would be okay.”

His Grandad Stephan – who had played violin in Poland before the war – brought him a small fiddle and taught him how to hold it. “The same feeling would come every time I heard or played the fiddle – it still does.”

Zielinski’s latest recording, Kiangardarup, was a six-year labor of love that draws directly from his experiences living near the Torbay Inlet in Western Australia.

“The music was so vivid in those first moments when I heard it that there really wasn’t any option to not record and share it. I actually recorded my fiddle parts outside at the Torbay Inlet and surrounding country.”

Inspired by the Minang people’s ancestral lands, Kiangardarup takes listeners on a journey from dawn to dusk under the canopy of giant karri trees. Additional tracks were recorded in Perth with Melinda Forsythe (cello), Manuela Centanni (wooden flute), and Jim Green (bouzouki). The project culminated in mixing and mastering at Abbey Road Studios in London.

The fiddler’s favourite tracks on Kiangardarup are Campfire and New Dawn.

“Campfire showcases my best playing. It was very cold in the forest that night at around 3am, and I was dreaming of the warmth of a fire.”

New Dawn holds special meaning also, as it highlights the didgeridoo, played by Ken Hayward. The track also features bird calls from endangered species, including white-tailed and red-tailed black cockatoos.

Zielinski recently premiered the album at the Perth Concert Hall and received a standing ovation.

“My favorite moments are when everyone connects with the music…”

His connection to Irish traditional music runs deep, thanks to early mentors like Mick Doherty, nephew of the legendary Donegal fiddler Johnny Doherty. “Mick and I remained great friends for over 25 years until he passed away in 2014. Traditional Irish music is like my first language – it just makes sense to me.”

Despite his dedication to tradition, he doesn’t shy away from innovation. “Music is a mystery. It is abstract and doesn’t make logical sense, but then it makes more sense than anything.”

The journey to create Kiangardarup came with its fair share of challenges; after failing to capture the original inspiration during two concert hall recordings, Zielinski invested in a home studio.

“You must be relentless in this process, constantly asking if something’s right and figuring out why it’s not if you have a slight feeling it isn’t. The perspiration comes with the work you put in after your initial inspiration. This is the pure hard work that makes all the difference.”

Zielinski remains optimistic about the future of traditional fiddle playing.

“Most definitely, there is more interest than ever. In traditional fiddle playing, I would advise younger players to listen to the likes of Michael Coleman, Tommy Potts, Paddy Canny, and Bobby Casey.”

Plans for 2025 include recording a new composition, Waychinicup, and dreams of touring Ireland with his partner and collaborator Manuela Centanni. “We’d love to perform Kiangardarup in Ireland one day.”

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