In Tribute to Susann McDonald
On May 29th, the harp world, the music world and the World Harp Congress heard the very sad news of the passing of Susann McDonald at the age of 90. Susann McDonald was a founding member and the first Artistic Director of the World Harp Congress. She served as Artistic Director until 2011 leading the artistic programmes at WHC Congresses in Maastricht, The Netherlands (1983); Jerusalem, Israel (1985); Vienna, Austria (1987); Paris-Sèvres, France (1990); Copenhagen, Denmark (1993); Seattle-Tacoma, Washington USA (1996); Prague, The Czech Republic (1999); Geneva, Switzerland (2002); Dublin, Ireland (2005); Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2008); and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (2011). After stepping down from her role as Artistic Director, she continued to serve as a Member of the Corporation of the World Harp Congress.
Isabelle Perrin, WHC Artistic Director and Susann McDonald’s former student writes:
‘Many of us can speak in the warmest ways of Susann, but here, I will speak in my own name as well as in my role as the Artistic Director of the WHC.
Susann McDonald has probably been the person who has most inspired me as a musician, as a teacher and as a person. I met her in France, when I was 18 years old, then a year later I became her student at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. During my three years of studies, her dedication to music, the harp and her students opened my eyes and ears in so many ways. She taught me openness, flexibility, friendship to classmates and so much more. Still today I can hear her say: « Here you will make friends from all over the world for your entire life ». And yes, today a number of my classmates at that time are still some of my best friends.
Then I had the great honor to substitute for her at the Indiana University for a few months in 2001 when she had her first sabbatical period. And the honor was even greater when some years later, at the WHC in Vancouver, she asked me together with Linda Rollo, if I would accept taking over from her as Artistic Director of the WHC. Besides the incredible joy and honor to be asked, I felt at the same time that I could never step into her shoes in the role she created in the Harpweeks in the Netherlands, which later become the WHC, as she had always been to me a figure no one could replace. But in this also Susann has been my mentor, guiding me through this amazing task.
So, Susann, I just want to say in my name as well as in the name of the WHC: THANK YOU. Thank you for being the amazing harpist, teacher and person you always have been; thank you for your life of dedication to music and to the harp community. And not least, thank you for all you have taught me through the many decades I have known you. The harp world as well as myself will miss you terribly.’
About The World Harp Congress
The World Harp Congress, Inc. a private non-profit organization, was founded in 1981 and incorporated in 1982. It originated from the Harpweeks in The Netherlands, organized by Phia Berghout and Maria Korchinska, that first met in 1960.
The WHC is held every three years around the world and seeks to promote the exchange of ideas, stimulate contact, and encourage the composition of new music for the harp. Concerts, workshops, seminars and exhibits concerning all aspects of harp musicology and performance are offered at these triennial sessions. Past Congresses have been held in Maastricht, The Netherlands (1983); Jerusalem, Israel (1985); Vienna, Austria (1987); Paris-Sèvres, France (1990); Copenhagen, Denmark (1993); Seattle-Tacoma, Washington USA (1996); Prague, The Czech Republic (1999); Geneva, Switzerland (2002); Dublin, Ireland (2005); Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2008); Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (2011); Sydney, Australia (2014); Hong Kong, China (2017); and Cardiff, Wales, UK (2022).
The World Harp Congress has members representing over 50 countries. The Board of Directors welcomes all persons who are interested in the harp to join this international organization.
One Harp World
Toronto, Canada, 2026
The American Harp Society and the World Harp Congress are delighted to launch the One Harp World website.
www.oneharpworld.org
The two largest harp societies in the world join together to present a truly unique international harp gathering in in Toronto, Canada on July 28 – August 3, 2026, celebrating the artistic passions and cultural inclusivity of both organizations.
Call for Proposals
The American Harp Society and the World Harp Congress invite all interested parties to submit proposals to present during the One Harp World event.
The Call for Proposals process opens December 1, 2024 and runs through July 1, 2025. Your expertise, artistry, knowledge, and skills are what will make OneHarpWorld a memorable experience for every harpist who attends!
Visit the OneHarpWorld website to complete the proposal submission form.
