Canadian-born UK-based conductor, composer, pianist, and organist.
Composer of more than 100 published works, Sarah MacDonald is the Director of Music at Selwyn College, Cambridge, Director of the Girl Choristers at Ely Cathedral, and Organist to the University of Cambridge. From 2024 to 2026, she held the office of President of the Royal College of Organists.
Featured work
Chorister’s Prayer, The
a setting of the much-loved RSCM prayer for two-part upper voices and organ. Commission by Dr Homer A. Fergusen III for the annual Carolinas treblefest gathering.
Featured recording
Sing my soul, his wondrous love
Released: 2026
The first recording devoted to Sarah's own music; a selection of liturgical works and anthems for the church year recorded in Ely Cathedral.
"No show-boating here, but tasteful understanding and sensitivity: MacDonald’s rapidly expanding reputation as a multi-skilled musician, here featured as both composer and director and aptly described as an 'enabler of young singers', will be further burnished by this delightful anthology of her devotional works, featuring a choir she has trained to an enviable peak of discipline, musicianship and emotional range. One senses that these singers would follow her anywhere. Her Missa Brevis Sancta Cecilia, Evening Service in A flat, and assorted anthems and motets follow the eponymous hymn-anthem, aglow with affection, combining craft, practicality and the joy of singing. Her intelligent and thoughtful response to text not only shines from her settings of poetry, but also in a serious appreciation of the liturgical and spiritual demands of the Mass. No show-boating here, but tasteful understanding and sensitivity. Excellent accompaniments from Adam Field and the glorious acoustic of Ely Cathedral complete this impressive adornment to Anglican worship."
Choir & Organ ★★★★
