The Frances M. Maguire Art Museum hosted the Jeremy Harting Memorial Concert Jan. 25, honoring the life of Jeremy Harting, Ph.D., who was a guitar instructor at St. Joe’s from 2013-2017.
Sponsored by the St. Joe’s department of music, theatre and film, the event featured a live guitar performance by Cale Hoeflicker, Ph.D., adjunct professor of music, theatre and film, who has taught classical guitar at St. Joe’s since 2017. Hoeflicker delivered pieces originating from the 16th through the 21st century in honor of Harting, who was a classmate, colleague and friend.
“It definitely adds to the sense of community whenever a group of people can get together and remember someone who has had an impact and remember all the positive qualities they had,” Hoeflicker said. “It’s kind of contagious.”
Harting is remembered fondly as a talented artist and educator. Following his battle with cancer and subsequent passing Dec. 14, 2021 at the age of 40, the concert aimed to preserve his memory as a life worth celebrating and an influential figure in the St. Joe’s community.
Suzanne Sorkin, Ph.D., chair of the department of music, theatre and film, commended Harting and his work.
“At SJU, he raised the level of performance in classical guitar to new standards, and his musicianship, warmth, and kindness continues to positively impact the entire program,” Sorkin wrote in response to written questions to The Hawk.
Admission was free to all, with attendance from students, outside guests and a number of Harting’s former faculty peers.
“It was a beautiful and unforgettable memorial — a fitting tribute to Dr. Harting — and I felt inspired both as a musician and as an audience member,” Sorkin wrote.
Dominic Rossi ’25, a student of Hoeflicker who attended the event, served as a volunteer during the preparation of the concert in support of his teacher. Rossi said Harting’s passing “was very emotional and brought people together.”
“This is the most connected I’ve felt to the music department and our community in a while,” Rossi said.
The concert sets a precedent for the reverence held for those who have made their mark on the St. Joe’s community and for the potential for the music, theatre and film department to foster further opportunities for live performances on campus.
“It’d be nice to have a guitar recital once a year for the students here and continue to build the culture that [Harting] started,” Hoeflicker said.
Hoeflicker said he believes Harting’s influence on St. Joe’s curriculum and culture is inspiring, and those who learned from him will continue to benefit from his talent and dedication.
“The one thing about being a teacher is you’ve passed something on to the next generation, so you’re still having an impact even if you’re not around anymore,” Hoeflicker said.
