Justin Richard Hartz, 60, organist and choir director of Levittown, Pennsylvania, died August 18 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey, and in 1987 a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School, New York, New York. He was the recipient of awards, including an E. Power Biggs Fellowship of the Organ Historical Society.
In 1989, Justin began his association with Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. There he performed recitals and sing-alongs as one of the holiday season organists. Hartz performed the dedication recital of the restored and relocated Skinner Organ Company Opus 248 at Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina. At Biltmore, he recorded a Christmas CD, Deck the Halls. In addition, his performances were captured on Midi permitting the Biltmore Estate to demonstrate the organ at all times.
Hartz’s other recordings include the CD Hartz and Flowers (Pro Organo 7024) and a video on the Midnight Pipes series, both performed at Longwood Gardens. His performances at Longwood are also featured on Historic Organs of Philadelphia from the Organ Historical Society. He can also be heard on the CD sets, Historic Organs of Pennsylvania, Historic Organs of Buffalo, as well as Historic Organs of Cleveland. He was on the roster of Concert Artist Cooperative for many years.
Hartz’s interests included historically informed performances on the piano and its predecessors. He was also an advocate for the reed organ. To that end, he was interviewed by National Public Radio affiliate WVIA, Scranton, for a recital he performed on a large two-manual and pedal Estey reed organ.
Justin Richard Hartz is survived by his brother Brendan and extended family. A memorial service will be held September 21 at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Yardley, Pennsylvania. Memorial gifts may be made in his memory to The Gift of Life Foundation (giftoflife.org) or the Organ Historical Society (organhistoricalsociety.org).
