Jill Pasternak, harpist and classical radio host and producer, passed away on July 26 in York, Pennsylvania, at the age of 91. The Lyra Society in Philadelphia, of which she was a supporter, shared the following statement on social media: “Lyra Society is deeply...
Sharon Ann (Wilson) Watson passed away on July 11, 2025, at age 89. She is survived by her children Celia Perillo (Luigi), David Watson, and Rosemary Coleman (Richie); grandchildren Steven (Barbara), Jenny (Kaley), Michela, Luca, Julia (Michael), and Dexter; and...
Legendary harpist and pedagogue Susann McDonald, distinguished professor emeritus of harp at Indiana University (IU) Jacobs School of Music and founder of the USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC), died on May 29 at the age of 90. Susann McDonald appeared on the...
Harpist Penny Howk Beavers (1942–2025) was born on August 30, 1942, to John and Aileen Howk, in Joliet, Illinois, where she began her study of the harp at age five, guided by her mother whose loving instruction led the way to a legendary career, as a professional...
Harpist Barbara Jeanne Belew passed away at the age of 95 on Feb. 13, 2025. She was born Nov. 1, 1929, to Horace Russell Belew and Mattilene Lloyd Belew in Plainview, Texas. Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles (Louisiana) published the following tribute: “During...
Somerset Folk Harp Festival founder Mary Geraldine “Gerry” Nitsch Serviente passed away on Jan. 24. The Somerset Folk Harp Festival shared the following tribute on social media: “Gerry’s vision and dedication shaped the Somerset Folk Harp Festival into what it is...
Composer and Harp Column Music artist Daniele Garella passed away on Nov. 12, 2024. Born in Florence, Garella graduated in composition and choral conducting and in counterpoint harmony and fugue from the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory in Florence. In addition to...
With her husband and children by her side, Ruth Anne Myers-Brown passed away on July 20, 2024, in Victoria, B.C., after a long illness. Growing up in a musical family, Ruth played piano and bassoon, then, while at summer music camp in 1969, she fell in love with the...
Harpist Amy Christine Ley McIntosh passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2024, following a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. Amy was a beloved member of the musical communities in both her home state of Michigan and her adopted province of...
Following the passing of harpist Deborah Fleisher on Sept. 29, the Peabody Post published the following tribute shared by her sister, Leah Fleisher. (Deborah Fleisher was an alumna of the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, earning her Artist’s Diploma...
