John Donaldson is a composer based in Auckland, New Zealand who aims to create music that is exciting, engaging and emotionally resonant, that draws on both classical and modern influences. John has written for choirs, bands and various chamber ensembles, but has a particular focus on composing music for the orchestra.

John's compositions have been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Mahawaditra Symphony Orchestra of Indonesia and Cantorum Choir, who commissioned a work for their Christmas concert in 2019. His compositions have been workshopped by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the NZTrio. In addition to his orchestral work, John has collaborated with Captivate Music, contributing string arrangements to several songs on their album Grace Upon Grace.

John graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Music in composition. During his degree, he studied under Eve de Castro-Robinson, Leonie Holmes and David Chisholm. He has also studied under New Zealand composer David Hamilton.

In addition to composing, John has experience as performer, particularly on piano. He has performed piano concertos with live orchestra, and has also been a part of numerous ensembles playing a wide range of instruments, including viola, timpani, percussion and the tuba. John has also sung in several choirs.

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