Virginia MacDonald

Juno Award-winning clarinetist Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a leading voice of her generation. Known for her lyrical and dynamic approach to the clarinet, she has been described by legendary clarinetist Doreen Ketchens as playing “like a scholar, very refined with plenty of soul.” As an in-demand bandleader, sidewoman, and composer, she maintains a busy international performance schedule, regularly appearing at renowned venues such as Birdland, Smalls, Ronnie Scott’s, Le Duc des Lombards, and Dizzy’s. Her festival appearances span the globe, with performances at the Detroit, Rochester, Torino, Montreal, and Toronto Jazz Festivals, among others. Virginia has performed and recorded with distinguished artists including Kirk Lightsey, Michael Dease, Joe Magnarelli, Dick Oatts, Jerry Bergonzi, Bruce Barth, Ira Coleman, Geoffrey Keezer, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, Neil Swainson, and Terry Clarke. She is a frequent collaborator with Grammy Award-winning trombonist Michael Dease, appearing on 3 of his albums to date, and performing regularly as a member of his groups. Her composition “Up High, Down Low” is featured on his 2023 release Swing Low. Virginia’s debut album is scheduled for release in 2026 on Cellar Live. Comprised of original compositions for quartet, the project features luminaries Geoffrey Keezer on piano and Ira Coleman on bass, alongside two preeminent voices of the next generation, drummer Curtis Nowosad, and featured vocalist Laura Anglade.