Monica Harrison (1897–1983) was an English mezzo-soprano and the third-born of four sisters who were respected classical musicians in Great Britain during the early 20th century.

They gained the respect of the leading composers and performers of their day and set a musical precedent in the history of English music.Born at Redcliffe Square, London in 1897, Monica Harrison was the third child of Colonel John Harrison, an amateur flautist who had been given command of The Royal Engineers Band at Chatham, England in 1892.

Her premature birth had resulted in defective tendons in the arms and legs, and she also suffered from poor health much of her life.A childhood accident also reportedly limited her educational and performing opportunities.

[10] As a result, when her parents determined that she was ready to pursue more advanced vocal training, Monica Harrison entered into studies with Victor Beigel.

[15][16] Over the next decade, May and Beatrice Harrison increased their fame through nearly 60 performances of Brahms’ Double-Concerto for Violin and Cello under the baton of Alexander Glazunov, Sir Thomas Beecham, et al.

May went to Grez a lot, especially later when they were doing the Third Sonata which Delius wrote for her.”In 1922, Monica Harrison relocated with her family to Foyle Riding near Oxted and Limpsfield, Surrey.

[21] During the mid-1930s, the Harrison sisters suffered multiple losses with the 1934 deaths of their mother and, in June of that same year, Delius.

[22] In March 1937, the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser reported that “Miss Monica Harrison sang two delightful groups of songs” in a concert in which her sisters, Beatrice and Margaret, also performed.

[23] Among the friends and colleagues made by the sisters in the musical community were: Eugen d’Albert, Sir Arnold Bax, Pablo Casals, Sir Edward Elgar, John Ireland, Fritz Kreisler, Zoltán Kodály, Dame Nellie Melba, Ernest John Moeran, Oskar Nedbal, Arthur Nikisch, Roger Quilter, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Felix Weingartner.