Legendary Harpist and Educator Susann McDonald Dies at 90

Susann McDonald, a pioneering harpist who transformed international harp performance and education, died on May 29, 2025, at the age of 90. Her remarkable career spanned decades of extraordinary musical accomplishment, influencing generations of harpists worldwide.

McDonald's musical journey began early, with her exceptional talent evident in her teenage years when she left her hometown of Rock Island, Illinois, to study in Paris with legendary harpist Henriette Renié. In 1955, she made history as the first American to receive the Premier Prix de Harpe from the Paris Conservatory, launching an illustrious career that would reshape harp performance and pedagogy.

Throughout her 35-year tenure at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, McDonald established herself as a globally respected educator and mentor. Her contributions extended far beyond traditional teaching, as she founded the USA International Harp Competition in 1989, which has become one of the most prestigious harp competitions internationally.

McDonald's professional achievements were numerous and significant. She served as artistic director of the World Harp Congress from 1983 to 2011 and was recognized with the World Harp Congress Award of Recognition for Service to the International Harp Community in 2008. Her publishing company, Music Works-Harp Editions, created instructional materials now standard in harp education worldwide.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, McDonald was known for her deep Christian faith and personal resilience. After experiencing a devastating house fire in the early 2000s, she wrote a daily devotional book and worked with colleagues to reconstruct her damaged sheet music collection, demonstrating her determination and passion.

Her legacy lives on through hundreds of students and the continued success of the USA International Harp Competition, which has featured over 400 harpists from 31 countries since its inception. McDonald's commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting harp performance has fundamentally shaped the international musical landscape.

Survived by two nieces and a nephew, Susann McDonald leaves an indelible mark on the world of classical music, particularly in the realm of harp performance and education.