Robert Zielinski Celebrates the Beauty of Australia on ‘Minang Moon Lullaby’

Award-winning Western Australian violinist Robert Zielinski has just released his new single, “Minang Moon Lullaby,” and its accompanying video, a key work from his current album, Kiangardarup.

“Minang Moon Lullaby” was the first composition Zielinski wrote for Kiangardarup, a concept suite inspired by the natural cycle of day and night at the Torbay Inlet in Western Australia’s Great Southern region. The album earned three Silver Medals for Outstanding Achievement at the 2025 Global Music Awards.

The instrumental piece explores themes of friendship, hope, shared storytelling, and connection to Country. According to Zielinski, the composition first emerged during a visit to Martup Pool in Western Australia’s South West, where he improvised the melody while surrounded by the late-afternoon landscape.

Later, Zielinski recorded the violin part beneath the karri trees of West Cape Howe National Park during a still evening. The violin featured in the recording was built by the musician himself in Torbay in 2018. Subsequently, cello, flute, and bouzouki parts were added at producer Lee Buddle’s studio in Perth. The recording then travelled to London, where Andrew Walter mastered the track at Abbey Road Studios.

The accompanying video was filmed at locations across Western Australia, including York, Martup Pool, and the Torbay Inlet near Albany. These areas form part of the traditional lands of the Minang people, who have maintained a connection to the region for thousands of generations.

Zielinski’s musical background combines Australian and Irish traditional influences. He learned Irish music from senior musicians in Australia before spending 14 years on Ireland’s west coast from age 17. Among his early mentors was Mick Doherty, nephew of renowned Donegal fiddle player Johnny Doherty.

After returning to Australia, Zielinski settled in Torbay, where he began building violins, including the instrument heard on “Minang Moon Lullaby.”