November 2025
Black Square Ensemble premiered Songs for a Shifting World, a new vocal chamber cycle for bass-baritone, cello, piano, and percussion.
The ensemble rehearsed together for the first time on November 13, followed by a sold-out debut concert on November 14 at the River Room in Willimantic, Connecticut. The performance featured eight movements from the cycle. Recording sessions took place on November 15.
The album is currently in post-production (editing and mixing), with release planned for later in 2026.
July 20, 2026 (upcoming)
Black Square Ensemble will perform Songs for a Shifting World as part of the Hartford Jazz Society’s Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series, at Bushnell Park, Hartford, Connecticut.
This performance anchors the series’ social justice–themed evening.
The Paul Brown Series is recognized by the Library of Congress as the oldest free, continuously running jazz festival in the United States.
The concert is free and will be broadcast live on WWUH 91.3 FM.
Rain location: Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford.
April 7, 2026 (upcoming)
Jazz & Justice Suite: A Declaration in Seven Movements
von der Mehden Recital Hall, University of Connecticut
This original suite, composed and performed by UConn Jazz faculty, responds musically to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each movement addresses a specific human rights concern through composition, narration, and improvisation.
Performers include Earl MacDonald (piano), Leala Cyr (voice), and members of the UConn Jazz faculty.
Presented in collaboration with the UConn Human Rights Institute.
February–March 2026 (upcoming)
Earl will serve as an adjudicator and clinician at the following festivals:
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UConn High School Jazz Festival — February 5–6, 2026
A non-competitive, education-centered festival emphasizing performance, personalized clinics, and improvisation masterclasses. -
Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) — March 5, 2026
Central District II Senior Festival (panel adjudication) -
Clark Terry UNH Jazz Festival — March 14, 2026
University of New Hampshire
Ongoing
Earl continues his work as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut, teaching, composing, and mentoring students while developing new large- and small-ensemble projects.