The National Competition in Organ Improvisation seeks to further the art of improvisation by recognizing and rewarding superior performance in the field. A flourishing tradition of improvisation is fundamental to a truly vital musical culture. The competition is open to all organists regardless of age, citizenship, or AGO membership. Applicants who do not reside in the U.S. are responsible for understanding and complying with U.S. visa requirements as well as travel costs where applicable. First-place winners of a previous NCOI are not eligible. The NCOI occurs biennially and commences with a recorded Application Round followed by a semifinal and final round held in conjunction with the National Convention. 2024 NCOI Official Rules.
Prizes
First Place – $5,000 funded by John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, Champaign, Illinois. A CD recording on the Pro Organo label and a promotional video, both distributed by Naxos of America.
Second Place – $3,000 funded by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, Lake City, Iowa.
Third Place – $2,000 funded by Pamela and Steven Ruiter-Feenstra.
Audience prize – $1,500 funded by David Arcus.
2024 NCOI Semifinalists
The 2024 NCOI began last fall with the Application Round which was conducted by recording. The five semifinalists below were selected to play in the Semifinal Round which will be held on June 28, 2024, at Trinity + St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in conjunction with the 2024 AGO National Convention in San Francisco, California.
A special note to chapters—hosting an AGO competition winner is the perfect chapter event! For more information, contact AGO Headquarters.
NCOI Winners
2022 Robert Horton First Place – On Impulse
Nara Lee Second Place
Ethan Haman Third Place & Audience Prize
2020 Ivan Bosnar First Place and Audience Prize – Form and Function
Samuel Gaskin Second Place
No Third Prize was awarded
2018 Kalle Toivio First Place – Improvisations at St. Ignatius
Robert Horton Second Place and Audience Prize
Douglas Murray Third Place
NCOI Committee
Renée Anne Louprette, MM, Director Email
Jeffrey Brillhart, MM Email
Kola Owolabi, DMA Email