AGO/Quimby Regional Competitions for Young Organists
The AGO RCYO began with the 1992-1994 cycle and is an offshoot of the AGO NYACOP. Prior to 1992, younger players were able to enter NYACOP, however, as NYACOP became more and more demanding, it was apparent that a separate competition was needed for younger players. Since 2002, Michael Quimby, President, Quimby Pipe Organs, Inc. has generously supported the regional competitions.
The competitions are held in odd-numbered years, in two separate stages. An initial competition is held at the local level by an AGO chapter. Download the 2019 RCYO rules. Each chapter winner advances to a regional competition, where a regional winner is awarded. The competition cycle culminates the following year when the regional competition winners – now AGO Rising Stars – perform at the Rising Star recitals at the AGO National Convention. The competitions are sponsored and administered by the seven regions of the American Guild of Organists. Applicants must be under 22 years of age as of July 1, 2019, to be eligible for the 2019 competitions. Organists over the age of 22 should consider NYACOP. Membership in the AGO is not required. 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.
Download the three hymns for the 2019 Regional Rounds
St. Denio
Lasst uns erfreuen
Cwm Rhondda
The first round of the competition begins at the chapter level. Competitors may compete in any chapter competition held within the AGO region of their home or school. Only one chapter competition may be entered. Chapter competitions will be held between February 1 and April 13, 2019; there is a registration fee ($50). The second and final round will be held at the regional level in conjunction with one of the seven 2019 AGO Regional Conventions. The official rules for 2019 were published in the June, 2018 issue of The American Organist Magazine. Prizes: Chapter level varies. Regional: First place – $1,000; Second – $500. The AGO/Quimby Regional Competitions for Young Organists are made possible by a generous grant from Michael Quimby, President, Quimby Pipe Organs, Inc.
2019 AGO Chapters Holding RCYO Chapter Competitions (with contacts)
Each of the chapters listed below hosted a chapter competition on the indicated date below. For further information, contact the chapter coordinator or AGO Headquarters.
Northeast
Rochester, February 2 – Email
Boston, March 16 – Email
New York City, March 30 – Email
New Haven, April 6 Email
Mid-Atlantic
Philadelphia, March 2 – Email
Harrisburg, March 2 – Email
Wilmington Delaware, March 2 – Email
Potomac, March 9 – Email
Lehigh Valley, April 6 – Email
Southeast
Atlanta, March 2 – Email
Chattanooga, March 30 – Email
Knoxville, March 30 – Email
Central North Carolina, April 6 Email
Birmingham, April 6 – Email
Great Lakes
Cleveland, February 23 – Email
Rockford, March 2 – Email
Indianapolis, March 9 – Email
Grand Rapids, April 8 – Email
North Central
Twin Cities, March 9 – Email
Wichita, March 16 – Email
St. Louis, March 23 – Email
Southwest
Oklahoma City, February 16 – Email
Houston, March 30 – Email
Dallas, April 6 – Email
West
Eastern Idaho, February 23 – Email
Utah Valley, February 26 – Email
Palo Alto, March 16 – Email
Ventura County, March 2 – Email
2019 RCYO Committee
Vivienne McKay, Director Email
Sarah Martin Email
Ann Posey Email
For more information, contact AGO Headquarters.
Documents for hosting a 2019 AGO/Regional Competition for Young Organists
