Zachariah Robin
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Zachariah Robin
@zachariahrobin.bsky.social
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Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Are we late in posting this? Absolutely...
BUT we had a fantastic time at 2025's Big Queer Picnic!
It was so lovely to be surrounded by fellow queer people who enjoyed our music making! Here's some snaps from the day!
A lavender purple background has the text ‘Cardiff Queer Orchestra at Big Queer Picnic 2025!’ at the top of the slide in big purple letters. In the middle of the slide there is a picture of a group of musicians holding various instruments. They are standing in a line, wearing brightly coloured clothing, and there is a colourful banner behind them saying ‘BIG QUEER PICNIC’. Beneath the picture in the bottom right corner of the slide there is the CQO logo - a rainbow bird of paradise with music notation in the circle behind it. The text ‘Sophia Gardens, 21st June 2025’ is in purple text in the bottom left corner. A lavender purple background has two images and the text ‘The honking horns!’ on it. The text is in large purple letters and sits between the two images. The first image, at the top of the slide and slightly to the left, is a picture of two trombone players standing in front of an orange banner with the lettering ‘G QUEER PICNIC’ visible on it. The second image, at the bottom of the slide and slightly to the right is of two saxophone players. They are wearing brightly coloured tops. A lavender purple background has two images and the text ‘Our fabulous flutes!’ on it. The text is in large purple letters and sits between the two images. The first image, at the top of the slide and slightly to the left, is a picture of two flute players. One is wearing a maroon tshirt, and the other is wearing a purple tshirt and a hat with rainbow decor. The second image, at the bottom of the slide and slightly to the right, is a picture of two more flute players playing their instruments. A lavender purple background has two images and the text ‘We’re all about that bass!’ on it. The text is in large purple letters and sits between the two images. The first image, at the top of the slide and slightly to the left, is a picture of three musicians. The one on the left is a bassoon player, and he is wearing an orange top. The middle musician is playing the double bass, and is wearing a large brimmed hat and a dark red shirt. The musician on the right is playing the tuba, and they are wearing a blue outfit. Their face is hidden by the bell of the tuba. The second image, at the bottom of the slide and slightly to the right, is a picture of the back of a trombone player’s head. He is wearing a green frog hat, and the bell of the trombone player next to him is also in focus in the picture. There is a music stand with music pegged to it slightly out of focus in front of him.
July 29, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Some photos from our phenomenal first concert last month! Everyone really enjoyed ourselves and we got a brilliant turnout.
Thank you so much to everyone who came or supported us in any way, you have helped this dream become a reality!
The wonderful photos are courtesy of @mkong_photography
a lavender background with the text ‘Cardiff Queer Orchestra Debut Concert’ in large purple letters. Below this is the Cardiff Queer Orchestra logo, and below this is purple text reading ‘Cardiff University School of Music, Sunday 8th June 2025’. Photo of the Orchestra standing up on stage and holding their instruments, with the conductor standing at the front on a box. They are wearing different brightly coloured tops and black trousers, and the stage is decorated with pride flags. Photo of two violin players sat at the front of the orchestra. They are both playing their violins and looking at the music stand in front of them, wearing black trousers and light coloured tops. Photo of a solo violin player stood at the front of the orchestra. She is wearing a light coloured top and black trousers and looking at the music stand in front of her. Next to her is the conductor, and behind them is the rest of the orchestra and a trans flag in the background.
July 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
And now, our musical director: Zachariah Robin!

Image descriptions in the alt text.

Tags:
#ZachariahRobin #CardiffQueerOrchestra #QueerMusic #FunkySocks #Blues #QueerMusicians #QueerComposers #TwelveBarBlues #Cerddoriaeth #BassTrombone
A lavender background has the text ‘Zachariah Robin, bass trombonist, creative.’ written as a title in large purple letters. A portrait of a young white man wearing a blue band jacket with black and silver detailing is in the bottom right. He has short brown hair and glasses, and is playing a double trigger bass trombone. Underneath the purple text is the text (he/him) written in black text. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the composer: Zachariah Robin was born 19th October 2001. He grew up between Cornwall and Devon. Robin moved to Wales in 2021 to study, and has lived in Cardiff since then. Robin is more of an instrumentalist than a composer, but has tried his hand at composition a couple of times. He’s played the bass trombone since 2019, and has been on tour to Belgium and a member of various ensembles in both England and Wales. Cardiff Queer Orchestra was founded by Robin, and he is proud to be part of this project. He is extremely passionate about community music. Robin is a queer, transgender, man.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the piece we’re playing: ‘Funky Socks’ is a jazzy blues piece. It was named during the early days of the pandemic, when peak entertainment was having interesting designs on your socks. The piece plays around with traditional twelve-bar blues. The melody is passed around the ensemble, and builds into a chaotic and bluesy ending. Improvisation is encouraged throughout the piece! ‘Funky Socks’ was originally written in 2020 for the instrumentation of Bb Clarinet, Trumpet, Bass Trombone, and Double Bass. We will be playing a 5-part version of the piece, which we typically use for busking purposes.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza.
June 20, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
The man, the myth, the legend... Freddie Mercury!

Image descriptions in the alt text.

#CardiffQueerOrchestra #FreddieMercury #QueerComposers #QueerSongwriters #KillerQueen #Queen #DontStopMeNow #QueerMusic #Cerddoriaeth #QueerHistory
A lavender background has the text ‘Freddie Mercury, singer, songwriter.’ written as a title in large purple letters. A portrait of a middle aged Parsi-Indian man wearing a multicoloured (but predominantly blue and red) jacket with his bare chest showing, is in the bottom right. He has a mustache and slicked back black hair, and is singing into a microphone which he is holding in his right hand. Next to the portrait on the left is the quote “It would be so boring to be seventy.” with ‘1987’ written underneath in black text. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the composer: Freddie Mercury (Farrokh Bulsara) was born on 5th September 1946, in Zanzibar. He was born to Parsi-Indian parents, and attended British boarding schools in India. After his education he returned to Zanzibar. Mercury’s family fled Zanzibar in 1964 due to the Zanzibar Revolution, and relocated to Middlesex, England. Mercury is best known for being the frontman of the band Queen, which he formed in 1970 with guitarist Brian May, and drummer Roger Taylor. Possibly one of the most famous moments of the band’s prolific career is the 1985 Live Aid concert. Mercury was described in an obituary as a ‘self-confessed bisexual’ - he was in a relationship with Mary Austin in the early 1970s, however this ceased to be romantic in 1976. They remained fast friends, and Mercury went on to have other lovers. Most notably Jim Hutton, to whom Mercury referred to as his husband. Freddie Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987. He died from AIDS in 1991, age 45. His partner Jim Hutton tested HIV-positive in 1990, and died from AIDS in 2010. They were together from 1985 until Mercury’s death in 1991.’ Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the pieces we’re playing: ‘Killer Queen’ was written by Freddie Mercury and recorded for Queen’s third album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. It was released in 1974, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart, and number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100. The subject of the song ‘Killer Queen’ is a call girl or escort of high class. The quote of ‘Let them eat cake’ is used to reference pre-revolution French aristocracy - the phrase being most often mistakenly attributed to Marie Antoinette. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ was also written by Mercury, and was recorded for Queen’s 1979 album ‘Jazz’. It hit number nine on the UK charts, but only reached number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The song has experienced growth in popularity since its release - some of which may be attributed to the zombie apocalypse film ‘Shaun of the Dead’, which used the song in a fight scene. We will be playing a 5-part arrangement of these songs, which we typically use for busking purposes.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza.
June 19, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Introducing Saturday's composers! John Kander!

Image descriptions in the alt text.

Tags:
#JohnKander #CardiffQueerOrchestra #CardiffMusic #Cerddoriaeth #AllThatJazz #AndAllThatJazz #QueerMusic #Chicago #ChicagoTheMusical #CerddoriaethCaerdydd
A lavender background has the text ‘John Kander, composer.’ written as a title in large purple letters. A portrait of an older white man wearing a brown jacket and black t-shirt, paired with a black scarf is in the bottom right, and next to it on the left is the quote “I guess it proves, much to our delight, that corruption never goes out of fashion.” with ‘Speaking on ‘Chicago’’ written underneath in black text. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the composer: John Kander was born on 18th March 1927 in Kansas City. He grew up Jewish and middle class. He served in the US Merchant Marines and then the Army Reserves between WWII and 1957. Kander’s music degree was obtained from Oberlin College in 1951, and his master’s degree from Columbia University in 1953. Kander is best known for his work with friend and lyricist, Fred Ebb. They worked together on numerous musicals including ‘Flora the Red Menace’, ‘Cabaret’, and ‘Chicago’. Kander is a big figure in the musical theatre world, and has continually brought important and difficult themes into mainstream musical theatre. In 2010, Kander married his partner, who he’d been with since 1977 - Albert Stephenson.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the piece: ‘All That Jazz’ is the opening song from the musical ‘Chicago’. The lyrics are by the other half of the composing duo - Fred Ebb. The musical is based on the play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The plot of ‘Chicago’ comes from the 1924 trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. They were accused of murdering their husbands, and both were acquitted. The character Roxie Hart was based on Annan, and the character Velma Kelly on Gaertner. The story follows Roxie as she is accused of murdering her husband, and her trial following this. The changing views on women during the Jazz Age and the Cook County juries acquitting many female murderers (leading to the legend that at the time, attractive women could not be convicted of murders in Chicago) serve as the setting for the musical. The music in ‘Chicago’ is vaudeville style, and most of the musical moments are loosely based on vaudeville performers of the time. We will be playing a 5-part arrangement of this song, which we typically use for busking purposes.’
June 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
As you've seen... We're playing at the Big Queer Picnic!

Here's what we'll be playing - a bit more contemporary than our last outing!

Image description in the alt text.

#CardiffQueerOrchestra #JohnKander #Chicago #Queen #FreddieMercury #AllThatJazz #ElfynShucks #QueerMusic #BigQueerPicnic
A lavender background has the two logos in the top corners. The left has the Cardiff Queer Orchestra logo, which is a bird of paradise sitting under a music staff. The right corner has the Big Queer Picnic Cardiff logo, which is a vertical progress pride flag in one half of a circle, and the text 'Big Queer Picnic Cardiff' in white on a black background in the other half. The black text 'Cardiff Queer Orchestra: @BQP' is in between the two logos, and is underlined. Underneath the title and logos is the black text 'Repertoire: All That Jazz - John Kander (and Fred Ebb), Killer Queen - Freddie Mercury (Queen), Funky Socks - Zachariah Robin, Don't Stop Me Now - Freddie Mercury (Queen)'. Underneath this text is the black text saying 'Where? The Big Queer Picnic, Sophia Gardens, When? 21st June, Approx. 16.45'. This text is on top of a darker purple silhouette of an orchestra and conductor.
June 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Our final composer for Sunday's (tomorrow's!) concert - Ethel Smyth.

Image descriptions in the alt text.

Tags: #EthelSmyth #TheWreckers #CardiffQueerOrchestra #QueerMusic #QueerComposers
A lavender background has the text ‘Ethel Smyth, composer, suffragette.’ written as a title in large purple letters. A black and white portrait of a white woman smiling while dressed in Victorian attire is in the bottom left, and next to it on the right is the quote “even if I were to fall desperately in love with BRAHMS and he were to propose to me, I should say no!” with ‘August 19th, 1877’ written underneath in black text. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the composer: Ethel Smyth was born on 22nd April 1858, in Kent. She was the fourth of eight children, and her father was extremely opposed to her career in music. However, she composed her first hymn before turning 10, and decided to study music at 12 years old. Smyth was relegated to being the ‘woman composer’ during her lifetime, and we are only just beginning to properly appreciate her music in the classical music world. She was a prolific composer, with six operas to her name as well as many chamber pieces, song settings, and two symphonic works. Smyth was not only a composer, but a suffragette. She fought for women’s rights throughout her life. This is extremely apparent in her career as a composer - she fought for herself to have an education, for her works to be performed, and for her works to be published. She was the first woman composer to receive a damehood.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the piece: The Wreckers is an opera in three acts. Its libretto was in French and written by Henry Brewster (her long term and long distance partner). Despite the opera being written for the French language, it premiered in German (1906), and was then performed in English in 1909. It wasn’t performed in French until 2022 at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The story of The Wreckers follows Cornish villagers who plunder ships as they pass the Cornish coastline. Smyth conceptualised the opera after being in Cornwall in 1886 and taking a walking tour. Smyth composed The Wreckers during the years 1902-1904, and it was premiered in 1906. She wrote notes of the plot and subject matter and then passed these on to Brewster. They agreed that the libretto would be in French - Brewster preferred to work in French, and it was more likely for the work to be produced in a French speaking country than in England. We will be playing ‘The Wreckers Overture’ which is the ‘overview’ if you will, being played at the beginning of the opera to show you what you can expect from the performance.’
June 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Our third composer of Sunday's concert!

Image descriptions in the alt text.

Tags:
#CardiffQueerOrchestra #CamilleSaintSaëns #DanseMacabre #QueerMusic #QueerComposers
A lavender background has the text ‘Camille Saint-Saëns, composer, organist, conductor.’ written as a title in large purple letters. A black and white portrait of a white man with a big moustache and beard is in the bottom left, and next to it on the right is the quote “ I was put in front of the keyboard and was so overcome with awe at the extraordinary sound I produced … the whole class burst into laughter. “ written in black text. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the composer: Camille Saint-Saëns was born in Paris, on 9th October 1835. He was a gifted pianist, giving his first recital in 1846. He went on to study organ and composition at the Paris Conservatory, with his ‘Symphony No. 1’ being performed in 1855. The symphonic poems of Saint-Saëns were the first in the genre to be composed by a Frenchman, and he is well remembered for this. His three most known other works are his ‘Organ Symphony’, his opera ‘Samson and Delilah’, and his ‘The Carnival of Animals’. He frequently denied his homosexuality, and kept it out of the public perception as best he could. He married at age 40, but split from his wife when his two sons died in 1878. Saint-Saëns passed away on 16th December 1921 in Algeria, after doing numerous tours worldwide.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the piece: Danse Macabre is in the genre of symphonic poems. It was premiered on 24th January 1875. Originally, it was intended to be an art song for voice and piano. The text was to be by the poet Henri Cazalis. It was reworked into the orchestral version we now know in 1874. The story is a legend that tells of Death appearing at midnight on Halloween, every year. He raises the dead from their graves to dance as he plays his fiddle. Their skeletons dance until the crowing of a rooster signifies dawn, and they return to their graves to wait for the next Halloween. We will be playing this symphonic poem in its entirety, and our soloist (representing Death herself), will be one of our violinists, Emily.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza.
June 6, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Following our concert sneak peak, here's a brief look at our second composer of the concert, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Image descriptions in the alt text.

Tags:
#CardiffQueerOrchestra #QueerMusic #Tchaikovsky #TheNutcracker #QueerComposers
A lavender background has the text ‘Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composer.’ written as a title in large purple letters. A black and white portrait of a white man with a moustache and beard is in the bottom right, and next to it on the left is the quote “ … The day after to-morrow my overture Romeo and Juliet will be performed… the world does not seem detestable. “ with ‘ March 3rd, 1870 ‘ written underneath in black text. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born on 7th May 1840, in Votkinsk (Russia). He received piano lessons from a young age, with his first recorded attempts at composition being from when he was four years old. However, musical education was not an option at that time in Russian institutions, so his parents prepared him for a career in the civil service. In 1861, Tchaikovsky retired from his position as a clerk at the Ministry of Justice to dedicate his life to music. Whether you know Tchaikovsky’s music from the theme of The Apprentice, or you’re a classical music fan, you’ve definitely heard something composed by him at some point in your life. He’s mostly known for his symphonies and ballets - large scale works - but he also composed smaller, more intimate works, such as his string quartets. Tchaikovsky died in November 1893, and the circumstances surrounding his death are still debated. Some believe that he was poisoned by the government when they found out he was homosexual, some that he committed suicide, and some believe that it was a natural death from Cholera.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza. Black text on a lavender background reads ‘About the piece: The Nutcracker is a ballet that has had international success since the late 1960s. Composed in 1892, it was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, with whom Tchaikovsky had previously worked with on Sleeping Beauty. The story of The Nutcracker is adapted from the short story of the same name by Alexandre Dumas (1844), which in turn was based on the short story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffman (1816). It follows a young girl (Clara) who is given a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve. Reality starts to mix with dreams, and the girl and her soldier go on a fantastical journey. We will be playing The Waltz of the Flowers from the 20-minute Nutcracker Suite which was premiered nine months before the complete ballet.’ Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of a music stanza.
June 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
POV: You're a bassoonist at Cardiff Queer Orchestra 😎

The Waltz of the Flowers - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Video description in the alt text.

#CardiffQueerOrchestra #Tchaikovsky #WaltzOfTheFlowers #QueerMusic #NutcrackerSuite
June 5, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
wearequeeraf.com
🏳️‍🌈 In need of some feel good queer news? We’ve got you covered!

This is our first Three Queer Grassroot Queers in collaboration with @lgbtconsortium.bsky.social sharing three feel good queer stories from the community to brighten up your week 👇🎥
May 29, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
A brief look at the first composer of Sunday's concert - Roger Quilter.

Image descriptions in the alt text.

Tags:
#RogerQuilter #LightMusic #QueerComposers #CardiffQueerOrchestra #QueerMusic
A lavender background has the text 'Roger Quilter, composer.' written as a title in large purple letters. A black and white portrait of a white man is in the bottom right, and next to it on the left is the quote "The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet, Young lovers meet" with 'From: 'The Pretty Birds Do Sing'' written underneath. Black text on a lavender background reads 'About the composer: Roger Quilter was born on 1st November, 1877, in Brighton. He was born to a wealthy family , and was privileged to attend Eton College. Quilter is best known for his settings of text to music - his light music. He composed for orchestra occasionally, and although perfectly capable of doing so, was put off from orchestral composition due to his disbelief in his orchestral arranging skills. He, and his family, knew that he was a homosexual from a young age. His family appear to have been exceptionally accepting of this, considering the illegality and attitudes of homosexuality at the time. Quilter struggled throughout his life with his health, both physical and mental. On 21st September 1953, he passed away at his home in London.' Underneath the text is an artistic drawing of music stanza. Black text on a lavender background reads: 'About the piece we're playing: Where the Rainbow Ends was originally composed to accompany the play of the same name. The play was based on the book (again of the same name) by Clifford Mills. The story follows a brother and sister (Crispian and Rosamund), who's parents are missing after being shipwrecked. The children are looked after by their wicked Aunt Matilda and Uncle Joseph. Crispian and Rosamund have a pet lion cub (Cubby). The siblings discover a book called ' Where the Rainbow Ends' in their uncle's library which tells them of a land where all loved ones that are lost, are found. They leave their wicked relatives and go on a journey to the Land Where the Rainbow Ends, experiencing a magic carpet, a genie, a Sea Witch, and Elves. Eventually, they are reunited with their parents at the farthest reaches of the Land Where the Rainbow Ends. Quilter composed the music for the first production of the play, and included a song (the Slumber Song), but no other singing was interspersed into the dialogue. This music was popular, and the play received Royal endorsement in 1935 when Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were in the audience. We will be playing the 'Where the Rainbow Ends Suite' which is a selection of five pieces from the original full production.'
June 4, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
We are excited to announce our first ever concert!!
We've a set of queer classical music not to be missed - spread the word!
DM for ticket information!
April 22, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
Last month, we had the pleasure of having our first ever socials!

We had two events with the great @begaydoclimbscardiff
March 2, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
robthomasbirds.bsky.social
[reposted] The storm has broken at Cardiff University. Solidarity to everyone who is going to be affected by leaving the university, or by remaining as part of a substantially weakened workforce. Please join a union.
January 28, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
christiesmbc.bsky.social
Please help us to save Modern Languages at Cardiff University:

chng.it/Hmtvvdtptg
Sign the Petition
Save MLANG at Cardiff University!
chng.it
January 29, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
flintdibble.bsky.social
Please sign and share this student-led petition to save Ancient History here at Cardiff University

www.change.org/p/save-cardi...
Sign the Petition
Save Cardiff University Ancient History Degree
www.change.org
January 30, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
We thought that if we played the Grease classic 'Summer Nights' the weather would cheer up a bit...
(it did - three hours afterwards!)

Thank you to Catherine for getting the video of us!

#CardiffQueerOrchestra #Cardiff #QueerOrchestra #Caerdydd #QueerMusic #LGBTQ #CardiffMusic #LGBTMusician
January 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by Zachariah Robin
cardiffqueerorch.bsky.social
String players especially! We need you!!
November 30, 2024 at 6:35 PM