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 […]
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 […]
I’ve been lucky to be asked to work on two sounds instillation pieces over the last year. The first, titled SUMMONING (No Words) is an interactive sound temple built of the female voice, a concept conceived by Nicola Harwood.Theatrical and immersive, the installation recalls the origins of artistic practice in ritual, temple, ceremony and community. As […]
In Greek mythology, the Sirens were dangerous creatures, who lured sailors with the seductive quality of their singing to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island. The title “Sirena” is a word borrowed from the Latin word “Siren” but it’s also a word used in Philippine culture to denote a vicious mermaid. This song uses the metaphor of […]
“Carried” I’ve been teaching music composition for over 20 years and one of the things I like the most is hearing from others how their own musical creation came to be, and how the many decisions, mistakes, and gifts from the cosmos came together to shape their work. So, I decided to do a blog […]
The first song on the album is called “What a Change”. Lyrics The lyrics are about two young couples and how we have been changed by their stories. Unlike many of the lyrics on the album, these lyrics came together in an afternoon. 1st verse – Adam and Eve – the poetry at first chronicles […]
I have an abundance of new choral music available this year. Fire-flowers (SSAA) – The song-cycle of 7 pieces was commissioned by the University of Western Ontario Women’s Choir – Les Choristes Fire-flowers – single piece for SSAA (from the song-cycle) Fire-flowers – arr. for SATB – the last song in the song-cycle Moonset – […]
“The Augustana Choir”, the chamber choir from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus performed your “Winter Sun” in concert Dec 9 and 10…and the CHRONOS Vocal Ensemble and Edmonton Youth Choir will be performing it together in concert on January 13, 7:30 pm at West End Christian Reformed Church.
Les Choristes, the University of Western Ontario’s fabulous womens choir under the direction of Jennifer Moir just premiered a new song cycle I was commissioned to compose titled “Fireflowers”. This 6 song cycle features the fabulous poetry of one of Canada’s great poets, Emily Pauline Johnson. My Home and Native Land Friday, December 1, 7:30 […]
Click to listen at CDBaby Source: ♫ Breath – Don Macdonald. Listen @cdbaby Choral music composed by Don Macdonald. This recording is different than most choral CD’s – two voices sing every part on the album resulting in a blend and synergy that is unique in choral recordings. Composer Don Macdonald and his wife, Allison […]