Joseph Charles MacKenzie
Traditional Lyric Poet and Performer
Email : mackenziepoet@gmail.com
Mobile : +1 505 573 5995
Booking: mackenziepoet.info
Inheritor of a Tradition
About
The making of a performer of classic verse
Joseph Charles MacKenzie is the only American to have won the now defunct Scottish International Open Poetry Competition. He is also winner of the 2020 Society of Classical Poets Prize and the St. John's College Poetry Prize. MacKenzie recites in English, Scots, and French, and has recited in four countries.
MacKenzie works strictly within the tradition of the great British masters. His verses have appeared in The New York Times, The Independent (London), The Scotsman (Edinburgh), The Spectator (London), and other venues, and has received notice in the Times Literary Supplement (January 27, 2017).
While teaching in Paris, MacKenzie received the theatrical tradition of verse recitation from Mme Colette Lecourt, a famous vocal coach, and was a member of the Troupe du Club des Poètes (Paris). He performed French classic poetry at the Théâtre des Déchargeurs, then under the direction of its creator, the stage, film, and television actor Vicky Messica.
Poetry In the Grand Manner
the enduring power and beauty of traditional Verse
What Is Traditional Lyric Poetry?
Lyric poetry interweaves the themes of love, death, and the fleetingness of time. It is said to be traditional when it honours the forms, structures, language, and spirit of the great masters of the past, drawing originality and freshness from the Western European tradition of human arts and letters.
While modern “poetry” invariably amounts to an expression of vapid, political group-think and gaseous self-absorption in chopped-up prose, traditional lyric poetry addresses the transcendent longings of the human heart and soul, appealing to all mankind. The use of meter and rhyme make traditional lyric poetry a delight to the ear.
Traditional lyric poetry is always recited from memory. This implies a performance tradition rich in techniques of diction, elocution, and projection. But this is also what makes traditional lyric performance so rewarding for audiences. “I felt I was hearing poetry for the very first time” is a recurring comment MacKenzie hears at his performances.
Programs Crafted to Please
From scottish gems to immortal love poems
MacKenzie Lyrical Programs
All programs are performed by memory. A brief historical explanation introduces the poems. Encores included in price. Customize your event or choose from these basic programs:
PROGRAM 1 - “Poetry of the Scottish Diaspora” - 1 hour
An overview of the finest Scottish lyric verse from Burns to MacKenzie. Celtic encores from Ireland and Wales.
PROGRAM 2 - “Immortal Love” - 45 Minutes to 1 hour
A mix of MacKenzie love poems and immortal classics from the world of British poetry. Shakespeare sonnet encores.
PROGRAM 3 - “A Christmas Pilgrimage” - 45 minutes to 1 hour
Audiences learn how the great masters reserved their finest efforts for Christmas. Stunning MacKenzie sonnets included.
PROGRAM 4 - “Imaging the Passion” - 2 hours, 1 intermission
MacKenzie's critically acclaimed “Sonnets for Christ the King.” Encores: WWI poets and Edith Sitwell's “Still Falls the Rain.”
Creating Your Magical Event
stunning performances for all occasions
Whether it's live theatre, Highland games, wedding receptions, funeral services, church fundraisers, retirement community socials, Celtic or Renaissance faires, public library events, or academic presentations, MacKenzie will help you craft the program that best suits your needs, time frame, and budget.
Booking Information
To avoid the hidden cost of booking agent fees, save time, and get personalized service, please contact MacKenzie directly to ensure your needs are covered at a price you feel comfortable with:
EMAIL : mackenziepoet@gmail.com
PHONE : +1 505 573 5995
PLEASE NOTE : For distant venues, a transit and lodging fee will figure into the contract. Organizers as asked to please provide personal retrieval and return by local hosts.
“...the great lyric poet of our times...”
—Bp. Markus Ramolla
“...major poetry by a major poet.”
—James Sale, Royal Academy of Arts
“You will be great.”
—Ian Crichton Smith (1928-1998), Scottish Poet and Novelist
“MacKenzie is as necessary to us as is air to a suffocating man.”
—Dr. Joseph Salemi, New York University
Samples
Enjoy these samples of MacKenzie lyric poetry...
SACRED VERSE