Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Susann McDonald, also known as Linda Wood, is a renowned classical music composer and harpist. She was born on August 14, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. McDonald started playing the piano at the age of four and later switched to the harp at the age of nine. McDonald's talent for the harp was evident from a young age, and she quickly became a sought-after performer. She won numerous competitions and awards, including the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 1972. She also studied with some of the most renowned harpists of the time, including Marcel Grandjany and Lily Laskine. In addition to her performing career, McDonald also began composing music for the harp. Her compositions are known for their lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies, and they have been performed by harpists around the world. Some of her most famous works include "Fantasy on a Theme of Haydn," "Sonata for Harp," and "Concerto for Harp and Orchestra." McDonald's music has been praised for its beauty and emotional depth. Her compositions often draw on her personal experiences and reflect her love of nature and the outdoors. She has said that she finds inspiration in the natural world and that her music is a way of expressing her connection to it. In addition to her work as a composer and performer, McDonald has also been a dedicated teacher. She has taught at several universities and conservatories, including the Juilliard School and the University of Southern California. She has also written several instructional books and recordings for harpists. Throughout her career, McDonald has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 1991, she was awarded the Harpist of the Year Award by the American Harp Society. She has also been inducted into the International Harp Museum Hall of Fame and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Despite her many accomplishments, McDonald remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and compose music, and she is passionate about sharing her love of the harp with others. Her contributions to classical music have made her a beloved figure in the harp community and beyond.

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