Don Macdonald (born 1966) is an internationally recognized composer of film and choral music with an eclectic musical background as a performer, producer, and educator.
His diverse body of work spans music for theatre and dance, published choral works, and explorations in genres ranging from rock and jazz to world and folk music. A multiple Canadian Film Awards nominee and three-time Leo Award winner, he has over 50 film music credits and has worked with major studios including 20th Century Fox and Lions Gate Films. His orchestral score for the cult-classic zombie film Fido earned him the Best Soundtrack award at the Gérardmer Film Festival in France.
A multi-instrumentalist, Don has performed professionally on saxophone, violin, and voice. His deep connection to choral music—cultivated from a young age—permeates his compositions. Highlights include the two-hour opera KHAOS, the Da Capo Chamber Choir New Works Competition winner Tabula Rasa, and the six-movement piece High Flight, commissioned by Chor Leoni Men’s Choir during his three-year tenure as composer-in-residence. His choral works have been performed and recorded by leading ensembles around the world, including Lyyra (Voces8 Foundation, UK), Rajaton (Finland), the Vancouver Chamber Choir (Canada), the Luther College Nordic Choir (USA), and Cantus (USA).
Don’s wide-ranging style is also evident in his album work, where he often serves as composer and producer. Albums include Breath (choral), Carried (rock), Shifting Sands (jazz violin), and Short Stories (jazz vocal).
He lives in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, and teaches in the Selkirk College Contemporary Music and Technology Program.