Performing
Don studied violin and saxophone at the University of Victoria. He has performed on saxophone alongside artists such as Dee Daniels and Mike Stern, and on violin for a wide range of performing ensembles as well as soundtracks and studio recordings. Don's been fortunate to study with some of the finest contemporary style violinists in the world including Mark O’Conner, Billy Contreras and Christian Howes. His vocal background includes being a founding member of “Musica Intima” and “Chor Leoni,” two of Canada’s premier vocal ensembles, freelance work with the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and solo work with a variety of ensembles including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Don's conducting experience includes Assistant Conductor of the Vancouver Bach Choir, Musical Director of the Simon Fraser University Choir and studio conductor for film and TV sessions.
Composing
Don has scored music for films featured at all the major film festivals and his score for Cannes’ Film Festival winner “Shoes Off” was recognized as “one of the most compelling original scores attached to any Canadian film, ever……” (Vancouver Province). Don's evocative scores continue to gain special awards in the industry including five Leo nominations and two Genie nominations. Don scored the cult classic zombie movie “Fido,” starring Carrie Anne Moss (The Matrix) distributed by Lions Gate. The score was recorded in Prague with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also a composer of choral music and currently has five titles published by Cypress Publishing. See donmacdonaldmusic.com for more information.
Learn more about Don MacDonald.