Vincent Dubois, one of the three organiste titulairs at Notre Dame de Paris, released a statement that began "Contrary to rumors that have circulated, the great organ is, a priori, saved. There are a few puddles on the left and right, but nothing dramatic. " Christopher Holman at Vox Humana is also covering the story More information here. … [Read more...]

Do you know any advanced organists entering a high school grade this fall? Please encourage them to apply today for the 2019 Pipe Organ Encounter (Advanced) in Houston! Sponsored by the Houston (Tex.) Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, the POEA will feature world-class organs, internationally recognized faculty from around the nation, and of course many unique Texas traditions! On Monday, June 24, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA’s Space Center Houston – this isn’t the regular public tour, folks! Tuesday afternoon will feature a class on music marketing and technology led by S. Andrew Lloyd (University of Texas at San Antonio) followed by a hymn playing and liturgical improvisation class and silent film performed by … [Read more...]

The organ world has grown smaller with the passing of legendary organist, scholar, teacher, and performer, Marilyn Mason, yesterday in Florida. Dr. Mason was the foremost champion for commissioning new music for the organ and the benefactor of the AGO/Marilyn Mason Award in Organ Composition. Marilyn Mason's performing career took her around the globe. She was the first female organist ever to perform at Westminster Abbey, the first female organist to play in Latin America, and the first American organist to perform in Egypt. She was named the International Performer of the Year by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists in 1988 and was honored at the AGO Endowment Fund Gala in 2009. She was the subject of an AGO … [Read more...]

AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS AWARDED $20,000 GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS NEA Funding Will Support Educational Programs in 2019 NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO) has been awarded a $20,000 Art Works grant by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support educational programs and career development for organists and choral conductors in 2019. The Guild has received regular support from the NEA since 2005 totaling $200,000. “It is an honor for the Guild to be recognized again by the NEA, the most prestigious independent federal agency in the United States responsible for funding and promoting artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation,” stated AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. … [Read more...]