Susana Remenyi – Ontario

harpist . teacher . 1928-2020

Susana Remenyi was a symbol of Classical harp in Toronto for her dedication of the harp, for her teaching at the Royal Conservatory of Music and perhaps for her magical album, Susana and her Golden Harp. (or at least that is what the cover showed!), that was displayed in the glass case as you entered the RCM. She was also the sister of Michael Remenyi who owned Remenyi House of Music directly across the street from the RCM.

Susana loved the harp, loved her students and loved creating a community of harp players. She was the president of the Toronto Harp Society (now called the Ontario Harp Society) for over a decade. Her legacy lives on in the beautiful memories and playing of her dedicated students. – Sharlene Wallace

The following is an excerpt from her obituary:

SUSAN REMENYI-PRENTICE. Born in Budapest, Susan began studying the harp at age 10 and obtained her artist diploma from the Franz Liszt Academy in 1950. Upon arriving in Canada as a refugee following the 1956 Hungarian freedom revolt, Susan resumed her career as harpist playing with numerous orchestras and chamber groups, and as a soloist. She lived for some years in Caracas, Venezuela and concertized widely throughout Central and South America. In 1973, she returned to Toronto and joined the teaching staff of the Royal Conservatory. For 11 years, Susan served as president of the Toronto chapter of the American Harp Society, and was the recipient of numerous honours … She is now truly the harpist-angel she aspired to be through her life.