 John
Macdonald started his Showbiz career in his native Scotland at an
early age, firstly playing the drums, piano, then his chosen instrument
the piano accordion.In those formative years John toured throughout
Scotland as featured accordionist working many Summer Seasons on
the Theatre circuit, and also appeared regulary on Grampian Television
in Aberdeen.
In 1963 John settled in New Zealand, and quickly established himself
as one the country's leading cabaret,radio, and television performers.In
1970 he recorded his first album "The Dark Island" which
was to be the first of many albums to be released . John has returned
to New Zealand several times for appearances including a three month
national tour.
John came to Australia in the early seventies, where he was an instant
success, his popularity grew rapidly, and he was booked to appear
in every major club, cabaret,concert venue, and television variety
show "Down Under".
John's own special brand of accordion music, and dynamic interpretation,
delivered with a great sense of fun and enthusiasm, has endeared
him to audiences all over the World including Hong Kong, the Philippines,
Arab Emirates, and the South Pacific.
He has also appeared in some of the top Casinos including Star City
& Launceston Country Casino (Australia) and Sky City (New Zealand)
He has toured with, and supported many overseas acts including Dame
Kiri Te Kanawa, Des O'Connor,Kenneth McKellar,Andy Stewart, Johnnie
Ray, Al Martino,Frank Ifield,The Drifters,The Krankies, Sir Harry
Secombe, and has appeared on all major Cruise Lines throughout the
world including the "Love Boats' .
John is well established as a recording artist, and many of his
albums have gone "Gold" and most of them have been released
Worldwide. His 50th Album "Years Apart" has just been
released and includes some of his most requested "On Stage"
favourites...ranging from Scottish, Irish, Semi Classical, to his
favourite French musettes, and has been acclaimed for showing his
diverse accordion talents....and special versions of tunes like
"Highland Cathedral" and "Lift the Wings' from River
Dance.
John is an immaculate performer and in recoginition of his vast
talent he was honoured twice in 1999. Firstly by the New Zealand
Accordion Association at the South Pacific Accordion Championships..where
they awarded him with Life Membership of the NZAA, and then again
in Australia from the AATA, when they inducted him into there "Roll
Of Honour" for his enormous and continued contribution towards
the popularity of the accordion.
One critic
recently wrote regarding John's performance: "Ace accordionist
John Macdonald demonstrated his ability brilliantly. His skilful
playing and infectious good humour were a winning combination.His
expertise on the Piano Accordion is simply magical, coupled to his
rapport with the patrons"
Another
critic wrote: "Accordion player and Musical genius John Macdonald
- displayed both technical and musical mastery of his chosen instrument.
His ebullient personality endeared him to the audience"
John
continues to work regularly overseas Touring and appearing on some
of the World's Cruise Ships, as well as presenting his own show
"Scotland the Brave" with a cast of 22, around Sydney's
Club and Theatre circuit.
As for
the future, great interest has already been shown for John to present
his show in the USA, and an invitation to perform in the Peoples
Republic of China..at the Concert Hall in Shanghai - And in 2003
John's accordion Music was chosen for the Opening scenes of a Major
Movie made for International release by South Korean Film Director
KT Kwak.
In late 2003 he appeared on a Month's Theatre Concert Tour throughout
Australia as part of the popular Production of "The Bravehearts
of Scotland" Spectacular - where he appeared to capacity audiences
at venues including the Brisbane Concert Hall, Melbourne Concert
Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.This year Celebrates John's 34th
Year in Australian Showbusiness. With the Blue Mountains as his
home, John tours extensively throughout Australia and Overseas.
Contact:
John Macdonald
Scotland the
Brave,
P.O Box 382,
Katoomba,
NSW - 2780 - Australia
Telephone:
02 47 824989
Fax: 02 47 824989
Mobile: 0421 312 620
|
