George Gardner Loring Jr. 66, of West Chesterfield, NH, died unexpectedly at his home on July 7, 2019 from a cardiac event.
George, aka Gardy to his family, and Jed to friends, was a pianist and teacher. He studied at Phillips Andover Academy, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, Harvard University (B.A. cum laude in music), and the New England Conservatory of Music (Master of Music in piano performance with honors, studying with Jacob Maxin and Victor Rosenbaum). He taught at St. Paul School, was on the faculty for two decades at Keene State College, and maintained a private piano studio until his retirement some years ago. He had an active performance career as a piano soloist, with ensembles in New England, around the country, and at least a dozen European cities. He performed on NH Public Radio and TV, accompanied community groups including the Monadnock Chorus and Keene Pops, and directed diverse musical and theatrical productions.
He was a past president of the American Matthay Association for Piano, a member of the Music Teachers National Association, served twice as president of the New Hampshire Music Teachers Association, and was a former board member of the New England Piano Teachers Association. George was frequently sought after as an adjudicator for state and regional competitions and festivals. His most recent project was archiving the music and papers of his late mentor, the legendary virtuoso Dusi Mura.
He leaves his mother Sally and father George; his sisters Helen, Laura, and Susan; four nieces and a nephew; his two former life partners; and his longtime companion, Charlie.
There will be a memorial gathering this fall at a date to be announced.
The Foley Funeral Home of Keene, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements.
