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 John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, Champaign, Illinois. Four 1/6-page print advertisements in The American Organist (TAO) (design costs not included).
Audience Prize – $1,000, funded by Martin Ott Pipe Organ Company Inc., St. Louis, Missouri.
2022 NYACOP Semifinalists
The 2022 NYACOP began last fall with the initial Application Round which was conducted by recording. The nine 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.
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.
Past NYACOP Prize Winners
2018 Aaron Tan – 1st Place & Audience Prize
Carolyn Robinson – 2nd Place
Daniel Chang – 3rd Place
2016 Katelyn Emerson – 1st Place
Kirk Rich – 2nd Place
Weicheng Zhao – 3rd Place & Audience Prize
NYACOP Committee members
Grady Coyle, Director Email
Kathrine Handford Email
Kimberly Marshall Email
