Virginia MacDonald Quartet

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 across North America and Europe, 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. Born and raised in Toronto, the Canadian clarinetist now resides in New York.

Virginia has worked under the leadership of luminaries such as Michael Dease, Dick Oatts, and Kirk Lightsey. She has performed and recorded with distinguished artists including Harold Mabern, Ira Coleman, Geoffrey Keezer, Bruce Barth, Joe Magnarelli, Xavier Davis, Eddie Henderson, Jerry Bergonzi, Rodney Whitaker, Quincy Davis, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Derrick Gardner, Neil Swainson, and Terry Clarke. Virginia is a frequent collaborator with Grammy Award-winning trombonist Michael Dease, appearing on three 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 I”n Search Of…“ is scheduled for release on May 29th, 2026, on Cellar Music. 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.

Alongside her other projects, Virginia enjoys working with her father, renowned Canadian jazz saxophonist Kirk MacDonald. She appears on several of Kirk’s albums, notably including his 2018 release “Generations” which features the esteemed pianist, Harold Mabern. The two have toured together extensively, including multiple European tours and a tour of India in 2020.