Maud Morgan

Maud Morgan (November 22, 1860 – December 2, 1941) was an American harpist who had a long and distinguished career spanning over 60 years. She was one of the pioneering solo harpists on the American concert stage, and ranked among the most famous and influential harpists in history. She is considered the first American to perform as a solo harpist on the American concert stage.

Biography

Early life and training Maud Morgan was born in New York City in 1860 to parents of English-Irish descent. Her father was George Washbourne Morgan, a noted organist originally from Gloucester, England, who had immigrated to New York in 1853. He was related to the Lord Mayor of London and had performed for Queen Victoria when she was still a princess.

In addition to touring widely as a soloist across the United States, Morgan frequently joined her father for joint concerts early in her career until his death. She made several tours of Europe as well, receiving acclaim overseas. The gala featured 50 harpists, including many of her former students, performing alongside choral groups in what was described as a "forest of harps." Morgan, then age 64, was crowned with silver hair and seated at a golden harp, presenting "a picture of uncommon charm."

Artistic depictions In addition to her musical acclaim, Morgan's visage was immortalized in sculpture by Olin Levi Warner. His bust portrait of the young Morgan, completed around 1880, became one of Warner's most celebrated works and is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It was also exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Critics praised how Warner integrated classical Greek sculptural influences like the tilted head, wide eyes, and braided hairstyle with naturalistic modeling of Morgan's delicate facial features. The treatment reflects Warner's academic training in the French Beaux-Arts tradition under Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. Warner may have been inspired to sculpt Morgan after seeing her perform live, though there is no direct evidence he was commissioned for the bust.

One of her final public performances was in November 1933 at a memorial concert unveiling in Brooklyn. Morgan remained engaged in the Staten Island arts community, holding leadership roles in music societies like the Central Society of Harpists, where she was honorary president.

She died on December 2, 1941, at age 81 in Richmond Memorial Hospital of Staten Island following injuries from a fall at her home sustained on December 8, 1940.