Susann McDonald, a pioneering harpist and distinguished professor emeritus at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, died on May 29, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music and harp performance.
McDonald's remarkable career was characterized by groundbreaking achievements that elevated the harp's global recognition. As the first American to receive the Premier Prix de Harpe from the Paris Conservatory in 1955, she set a new standard for musical excellence. Her international performance career, managed by Columbia Artists, established her as one of the world's most respected harpists.
Beyond her performance achievements, McDonald's most significant contribution was her transformative work in music education and competition. In 1989, she founded the USA International Harp Competition, which has since become one of the most prestigious solo harp performance competitions worldwide. Over its history, the competition has attracted more than 400 harpists from 31 countries, launching numerous professional careers.
Her pedagogical influence extended far beyond competition. As an educator at Indiana University for 35 years, McDonald trained generations of harpists, promoting international musical connections and supporting emerging talent. She served on juries for major international harp competitions and was a key figure in the World Harp Congress, serving as artistic director from 1983 to 2011.
McDonald's impact on harp education was further solidified through her publishing work. In 1981, she co-founded Music Works-Harp Editions with Linda Wood Rollo, creating instructional materials now standard in harp education globally. Her commitment to musical education was recognized internationally, including receiving the World Harp Congress Award of Recognition in 2008.
Her personal resilience was equally noteworthy. After a devastating house fire in the early 2000s, she authored a devotional book and worked with colleagues to reconstruct her damaged sheet music collection, demonstrating remarkable determination.
Beyond her professional achievements, McDonald was remembered as a multifaceted individual with a deep Christian faith, who enjoyed gardening, golf, and maintaining a vibrant community in Naples, Florida.
She is survived by two nieces and a nephew, leaving behind a legacy that has fundamentally reshaped classical harp performance and education on a global scale.
