AGO National Competition in Organ Improvisation
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.
Prizes
First Place – $5,000, a CD recording on the Pro Organo label, and a promotional video, both distributed by Naxos of America
Second Place – $3,000
Third Place – $2,000
Audience prize – $1,500.
2022 NCOI Semifinalists
The 2022 NCOI began last fall with the initial Application Round which was conducted by recording. The five semifinalists below were selected. They will play in the Semifinal and Final Rounds which will be held in conjunction with the 2022 AGO National Convention in Seattle, Washington.
A special note to chapters—hosting an AGO competition winner is the perfect chapter event! For more information, contact AGO Headquarters.
Past NCOI Winners
2020 Ivan Bosnar First Place and Audience Prize
Samuel Gaskin Second Place
No Third Prize was awarded
2018 Kalle Toivio First Place
Robert Horton Second Place and Audience Prize
Douglas Murray Third Place.
2016 Thomas Dahl First Place and Audience Prize
Matt Gender Second Place
Kalle Toivio Third Place
2014 Patrick Scott First Place and Audience Prize
Douglas Murray Second Place
No Third Prize was awarded
2012 Robert Nicholls First Place
Patrick Scott Second Place and Audience Prize
Douglas Murray Third Place
2010 David Baskeyfield First Place and Audience Prize
Herbert Buffington Second Place
Robert Nicholls Third Place
2008 Jason Roberts First Place
Steven Ball Second Place
Herbert Buffington Third Place and Audience Prize
2006 Tom Trenney First Place and Audience Prize
Vincent Carr Second Place
No Third Place awarded
NCOI Committee
Renée Louprette, MM, Director Email
Jeffrey Brillhart, MM Email
Kola Owolabi, DMA Email
