About Dónal
Dónal's passion for music began as a chorister at St Peter's Cathedral, Belfast, before moving to his first post as Organ Scholar at St George's Parish Church. Aged 15, he achieved the coveted Lloyd Webber Scholarship to Eton College where he obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists aged only 17, with the Limpus Prize for performance.
Cambridge & Oxford
Dónal read music at King's College, Cambridge (2017–2020) , achieving a double first class degree. He was organ scholar, accompanying the world-famous chapel choir under the direction of Sir Stephen Cleobury and Daniel Hyde. He played for concerts, services, recording projects, international tours to the United States and Australia, and BBC broadcasts including Carols from King's and A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols.
After completing his degree, Dónal took up the post of Assistant Organist at New College, Oxford (2020–2024). His responsibilities included accompanying the choir, directing the choir in the absence of the director of music (including a sabbatical term in this capacity), assisting with the training of the choristers and leading the college's organ recital series.
During this time, Dónal launched his debut album, 'Bach & Walther – Concerto Transcriptions', to critical acclaim.
'Every aspect of it glistens...McCann's playing is authoritative as well as attractive and a wonderful showcase for his talents'
– Gramophone Magazine
Recitals, composing and collaborations
Dónal has a busy schedule of organ recitals in the UK and beyond – recent concerts include Westminster Abbey, and opening the restored organ of the Church of St Lawrence, Vittoriosa in Malta. He collaborates as an accompanist with various choral foundations, including the Rodolfus Foundation and Genesis Sixteen.
Dónal has a burgeoning career as a composer, winning hotly contested competitions including the Peter Tranchell Composition Prize, and Jesus College Cambridge's Hadfield Composition Prize.
Dónal is also in demand as a continuo organist and harpsichordist: he is co-principal keyboardist of the Oxford Bach Soloists, which has recently released its debut disc on Signum Records, and collaborated with acclaimed director Peter Sellars in New York. He has also played as guest organist with the Academy of Ancient Music and Instruments of Time and Truth.
To enquire as to Dónal's availability, please contact:
enquiries@donalmccannmusic.com
Winchester College
Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Winchester College was founded to provide education for 70 singing scholars, and 16 singing boys, known as 'Quiristers'.
As Organist and Head of Chapel Music, Dónal is responsible for the chapel music provision at Winchester, including directing the Quiristers, Chapel and Chantry choirs.
The choirs at Winchester College maintain a professional singing standard and perform regularly in recordings, broadcasts and in their busy concert schedule. Weekly services are free to attend: more details can be found on the Winchester College website.
