AGO National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP)

The American Guild of Organists promotes the highest level of organ performance through its National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. The Competition is intended to serve as a springboard for emerging organists to develop their performance ability by participating in the various demanding stages of this Competition. Underwriting of expenses is provided in part by the Nita Akin Competition Fund. The NYACOP Committee encourages all eligible organists to seek ever-higher levels of excellence by competing in the upcoming 2022 competition! 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.

Prizes

First Place – The Lilian Murtagh Memorial Prize, funded by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc., Cleveland Ohio; includes a $3,000 cash award, career development assistance from Karen McFarlane Artists Inc. between September 2022 and June 2024, including publicity materials and advertising. The Jordan Prize, funded by the Jordan Organ Endowment; $10,000 to be awarded in conjunction with a Gala Solo Recital on the Jordan Family Organ in Columbus, Georgia. Additionally, a performance during the 2022 AGO National Convention, a CD recording on the Pro Organo label, and a selection of Recital Awards throughout the United States.
Second Place – $5,000, funded by Kegg Pipe Organ Builders, Hartville, Ohio. Four 1/6-page print advertisements in The American Organist (TAO) (design costs not included).
Third Place – $3,000, funded by Dorothy Young Riess, MD. Four 1/6-page print advertisements in The American Organist (TAO) (design costs not included).
Audience Prize – $1,000 funded by Friends of the Music Series at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, Washington.

2022 NYACOP First Place Award Winner

The 2022 NYACOP began in fall 2021 with the initial Application Round which was conducted by recording. Nine semifinalists were selected and competed in the Semi-final Round on June 29, 2022 at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA.   After the Semi-final Round, five finalists were selected to compete in the Final Round held on July 4, 2022 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral is Seattle, WA.  Both the Semi-final and Final Rounds were held in conjunction with the 2022 AGO National Convention in Seattle, Washington.  James Kealey won the first place award and audience prize.

James Kealey serves as full time Associate Director of Music and Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York and holds a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music.  He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Music Arts degree at Eastman, in the studio of David Higgs. James was named one of The Diapason magazine’s “20 Under 30″ in 2021.”

 

 

 

Upcoming Performances:

Since 1982, Karen McFarlane Artists has generously assisted AGO NYACOP winners with career guidance and support.  The concert management program they have developed is designed to educate the winner about career management  and provide an opportunity to learn firsthand what concert life is really like. A special note to chapters—hosting an AGO competition winner is the perfect chapter event! Contact Karen McFarlane Artists or AGO Headquarters.

2018 Aaron Tan – 1st Place & Audience Prize
Caroline Robinson – 2nd Place
Daniel Chang – 3rd Place

2016 Katelyn Emerson – 1st Place
Kirk Rich – 2nd Place
Weicheng Zhao – 3rd Place & Audience Prize

NYACOP Past Prize Winners

NYACOP Committee members

Kimberly Marshall, Director Email
Gregory Hand  Email
Timothy Olsen  Email