Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1935

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Susann McDonald is a renowned classical harpist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on August 14, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, McDonald began her musical journey at a young age. She was introduced to the harp by her mother, who was also a harpist. McDonald's mother was her first teacher, and she continued to study with her until she was 18 years old. McDonald's talent and dedication to the harp were evident from an early age. She won her first competition at the age of 10 and went on to win numerous other competitions throughout her teenage years. In 1966, McDonald was awarded a scholarship to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied with renowned harpist and teacher, Carlos Salzedo. After completing her studies at the Curtis Institute, McDonald began her professional career as a harpist. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent and was invited to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of McDonald's most significant achievements was her performance at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. She was chosen to perform the Olympic Hymn during the opening ceremony, which was broadcast to millions of people around the world. This performance brought McDonald international recognition and cemented her status as one of the world's leading harpists. Throughout her career, McDonald has also been a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. She has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Southern California. Many of her students have gone on to have successful careers as harpists and musicians. In addition to her performances and teaching, McDonald has also been a prolific recording artist. She has recorded over 20 albums, including several solo albums and collaborations with other musicians. Her recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 1982. McDonald's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1991, she was awarded the Harpist of the Year Award by the American Harp Society. She was also inducted into the National Music Council's American Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Despite her many achievements, McDonald remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform, teach, and record, and her passion for the harp and classical music is as strong as ever. Her legacy as one of the world's leading harpists and musicians is secure, and she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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