RCYO

AGO/Quimby Regional Competitions for Young Organists

The AGO RCYO began with the 1992-1994 cycle. It is an offshoot of the AGO NYACOP. Prior to 1992, younger players were able to enter NYACOP, however, as NYACOP became 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.
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.

The competitions are held in odd-numbered years, in two separate stages. In 2019, an initial competition was held at the local level by an AGO chapter. Each chapter winner advanced to a regional competition, where the regional winners were awarded. The competition cycle culminates next year when the regional competition winners – now AGO Rising Stars – will perform at the Rising Star recitals at the AGO National Convention in Atlanta. The competitions are sponsored and administered by the seven regions of the American Guild of Organists.