| Aug 11, 2000 |
| American Guild Of Organists Names Prize Winners In National Competition In Organ Improvisation NEW YORK CITY - The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS (AGO) is pleased to announce First, Second, and Third Prize winners in the National Competition in Organ Improvisation (NCOI), held in Seattle, Wash. in conjunction with the AGO National Convention, July 2-6: JUSTIN H. BISCHOF
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JUSTIN H. BISCHOF, a native of Toronto, Ontario and resident of New York City, is an active performer and improviser, having performed in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Dr. Bischof is a graduate of Loyola High School in Montreal (1985), and completed the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the Manhattan School of Music, where he was a student of John Walker and McNeil Robinson. As a Manhattan student, he twice received the Claire Coci Award. Dr. Bischof is director of music and organist at the Church of the Resurrection, New York City, and organist at the Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, N.Y. In 1999, he was appointed adjunct professor of music history and adviser at Barnard College and professor of music theory at the Manhattan School of Music. He previously served on the faculties of the Mannes College of Music and the Nightingale-Bamford School. As a chamber musician, Dr. Bischof has performed in hundreds of concerts over the last decade. He has worked regularly with the Orchestra of St. Luke's as organist, pianist, and harpsichordist. In 1998, he was a semifinalist in the AGO NCOI. This past summer, he was a performer at the AGO Region II Convention, as well as serving as an adjudicator for the Region II Competition for Young Organists. Dr. Bischof serves on the executive board of the New York City AGO Chapter and is a former dean of the Manhattan School of Music AGO Chapter. He has made three tours of Europe, performing in such venues as St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and the Tonhalle, Zurich. Justin Bischof can be heard on several recordings. His latest recording (Ethereal) includes the premiere of Aaron Miller's Concerto for Two Organists with organist Ken Cowan and the Zurich Symphony Orchestra.
ERNEST C. OELKERS, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and resident of Lawrence, Kans., studied organ, piano, and harpsichord with Richard Grieg, Conrad Grimes, and Lawrence Ritchey. He served as organist for various churches there until being appointed organist and choirmaster at St. Mary's Cathedral in 1986. In 1992, Mr. Oelkers began organ studies at the University of Kansas, and received his undergraduate degree from that institution in 1996. At the same time he served as organist and choir director for the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Oelkers was director of music at the First Congregational Church in Topeka. In October of 1998, he was appointed principal organist at Village Presbyterian Church. In addition to his duties as a church musician, Ernest Oelkers is active as a recitalist, having given numerous performances in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He is currently pursuing graduate study in music at the University of Kansas.
ROBERT NICHOLLS, AAGO, a native of England and resident of Evansville, Ind., began his musical training as a chorister at Westminster Abbey under the direction of Simon Preston. Following secondary education as a music scholar at the Oundle School, he was admitted to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University, as a choral exhibitioner. After completing his bachelor of arts degree, he remained in Cambridge to sing with the choir of St. John's College under the direction of Christopher Robinson. In 1996, Mr. Nicholls joined the staff of the First Presbyterian Church, Evansville, Ind., and is currently director of music at the church. He now holds the master of arts degree from Cambridge University, and is actively involved with the RSCM in America program.