The wonderful women’s vocal ensemble Papagena has just released their latest album Hush and the first track on the album is my composition Moonset. Wow! This group’s musicianship is incredible. What a wonderfully nuanced performance that tastefully conveys the mood Read more…
Click on the link below to download this year’s newsletter with links to new compositions and recordings. Don Macdonald Choral Music 2019.pdf
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 Read more…
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 Read more…
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 Read more…
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 Read more…
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 Read more…
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, Read more…
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 Read more…
“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 Read more…