MacDonald began his career as Principal Trumpet of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, appointed by Music Director Kurt Masur upon completion of his Masters of Music degree at New England Conservatory. His career as a concert soloist began shortly after this appontment and has since appeared worldwide as a trumpet soloist with highly regarded ensembles including: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic, Virtuosi Saxonia, Bach Collegium Munich, Leipzig Bach Orchestra, Leipzig Chamber Orchestra, Concerto Leipzig, Kammerphilharmonie Leipzig, and the Super World Orchestra (Tokyo). With discography of over 25 recordings with the Gewandhaus Orchestra, he can also be heard on recordings with the Leipzig Baroque Soloists, solo recordings, and numerous other chamber and orchestral albums. One of his solo albums was named “CD of the Month: by Naxos in December 2003.