Making Music Blog
Choral Music Newsletter 2019
Click on the link below to download this year's newsletter with links to new compositions and recordings. Don Macdonald Choral Music 2019.pdf
Making Music Blog
New Commissions
I recently received two commissions for new choral works. Elektra Women's Choir has commissioned me along with 9 other Canadian composers to set the amazing “Lost Words: A Spell Book” to music and the Malaspina Choir has commissioned me to write a piece celebrating their 50th anniversary. More abut Lost Words. In 2007 the Oxford […]
Making Music Blog
3 Tangos for String Quartet
I just finished writing string quartet arrangements of three of the most well-known pieces in the Tango repertoire: Trenzas, Danzarin, and Romance de Barrio. I transformed each piece substantially from the original by changing the harmony, time signature, and rhythm but they still have the essence of Tango. They're available in the store.
Choral
When the Earth Stands Still
My choral work; "When the Earth Stands Still", has many many wonderful performances featured on youtube. Two of the best are done by The University of Johannesburg Choir and the Luther College Nordic Choir of Iowa, USA. So interesting to see how music can be interpreted so differently.
Making Music Blog
Cantus Performance and Review
The male vocal ensemble "Cantus", one of two professional male ensembles in the US (the other being Chanticleer), recently performed Tabula Rasa. Here is a short section of the review - "Over half of the pieces are from the 21st century, some coming from the choral world, others from pop and rock. The evening opened […]
Making Music Blog
Check Check
If you're in Kelowna between March 15 and April 27 have a look at this video/audio installation at the Alternator Centre. "Check Check" features video by Ian Johnson that explores contemporary obsessive-compulsive behavior. With music by Don Macdonald in 4 speaker surround sound and looping projections on four giant screens, it's a compelling visual and […]