Well-known international baritone Ralph McDonald will give a free lunch-hour recital for the University of Natal Durban’s School of Music on Wednesday (September 13) at 12h15 in Howard College Theatre.

Ralph McDonald is on the Trinity College examining panel and has toured worldwide, spending his time between the United Kingdom and Taiwan. His musical education began in Scotland were, at the age of 11 he became a junior student at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. During his years of full-time study at the RSAMD, he won numerous awards for vocal work. Scholarships from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and the Scottish International Education Trust enabled him to continue his studies with John Carol Case and Derek Hammond Stroud in London.

From 1980 to 1992, he was singing and flute tutor at Uppingham School which is renowned for its music and drama. As a freelance soloist he has worked closely with the Hilliard Ensemble as well as with such imposing names as Sit Peter Pears, Linda Firnie and Neil Mackie. He has toured with the Western Wind Choir all over Europe and Japan and has works frequently in partnership with the pianist Andrew Plant.

His repertoire is wide and varied and includes Irish and Scottish folk songs. His programme could include anything from Three Gypsy Songs by Dvorak to songs by Schumann, Haydn, Brahms, Schubert, Strauss, Quilter, Arne or Skempton.