The Royal Canadian College of Organists News

Early Bird Registration for Summer Organ Academy closes this Wednesday!

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:56:45 GMT

Early Bird Registration for Summer Organ Academy closes this Wednesday, April 15th! Don't miss the chance to secure your spot at a special discounted rate.

The Summer Organ Academy is an exceptional learning opportunity for formative training or professional development with nationally and internationally acclaimed organists. This year, we are introducing a new Performance Stream for the emerging performing organist, which includes private study with international concert artist Shin-Young Lee.

There are only a few spots left! Click here to register now.

Seeking Chair of Programming

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:35:35 GMT

The Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the Chair of Programming. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and share your professional knowledge and expertise, and help shape the future direction of College programming.

The Chair of Programming is a member of the Board of Directors and National Council and oversees the work of the College Committees that comprise the Programming Council. The Programming Council assists the organization in achieving its goals by providing programming that is consistent with the organization’s strategic plan and long-term vision.

Duties include:

actively monitor the effectiveness of current programming to identify and resolve gaps
be aware of current trends and developments in the broader organ music community
review program offerings to identify current and future needs
retire ineffective programs and develop new programs as required
work with the Chair of Marketing to develop effective marketing strategies

For more information please contact Thomas Leslie, Chair of Nominations, at thomasleslie@rcco.ca

Notice of Special Meeting of Members

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:49:06 GMT

All members are cordially invited to a Special Meeting of Members of the Royal Canadian College of Organists for the purpose of appointing new auditors.

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 12:15 pm ET
Location: Teleconference via Zoom

Background: We have been notified by our auditors, Adams & Miles, that they are no longer eligible to work with us, as they have formed a partnership with our bookkeeping firm, Young Associates. The Board has approved the firm Hogg, Shain & Scheck for the 2025-2026 audit and will present them for appointment of the members at a Special Meeting of Members on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

To access meeting materials (including Zoom link), go to the Members Discussion Forum (requires RCCO login).

Virtual Organ Academy Welcomes Nicole Keller

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:24:14 GMT

Don't miss the next session of Virtual Organ Academy on Saturday, February 28th at 12:00 pm ET!

As organists, we all have to practice and prepare for upcoming worship services or performances. We also are all searching for the best way to ensure a healthy technique to sustain us over our careers, especially as our bodies change and we adapt to different types of instruments. This Virtual Organ Academy session will feature a discussion with concert organist and university professor Nicole Keller, focusing on some simple concepts to foster a relaxed approach to playing which anyone can do at any organ. In this discussion, we will share our individual ideas and strategies in a collaborative conversation about our lives as organists.

The presentation begins at 12:00 pm ET, and is free to attend. To participate in the session on Discord, click here to register for instructions. If you prefer to watch on YouTube, a link will be posted here before the event.

We hope to see you there!

2026 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:30:48 GMT

This annual scholarship of $6,000 is offered by the Ottawa Centre, RCCO, and is intended for a Canadian graduate student in organ, studying either inside or outside Canada, and/or a non-Canadian graduate student who has been accepted to study full-time at a Canadian university in the following academic year. It is expected that all Hewitt Scholarship winners will plan to use their skills as organ teachers in the future.

Application forms for candidates for the 2026 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship must be emailed or postmarked by April 30, 2026.

The past winners are

2005 - Craig Humber
2006 - Isabelle Demers
2007 - Michael Unger
2008 - Ryan Jackson
2009 - Matthieu Latreille
2010 - Shawn Potter
2011 - Wendy Nieuwenhuis
2012 - Stephen Boda
2013 - Sarah Svendsen
2014 - Julie Pinsonneault
2015 - Rachel Mahon
2016 - Shane Murphy
2017 - no award
2018 - David Simon and Nicholas Walters
2019 - Stefani Bedin
2020 - Samuel Lee and Manuel Piazza
2021 - Martin Jones
2022 - Maria Gajraj
2023 - Alexander Straus-Fausto
2024 - Owen Spicer
2025 - Isaac Howie

Information and application forms are available at www.rcco-ottawa.ca, and further information may be obtained from Frances Macdonnell at fbmacdonnell@sympatico.ca or at 613-726-7984.

Exam Registration is Open!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:24:16 GMT

Exam registration for 2026 is now open! Click here to access the online application portal.

To learn more about the certificates and diplomas available, visit the Examinations section of our website here.

Virtual Organ Academy Welcomes Jonathan Oldengarm

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:06:05 GMT

Don't miss the next session of Virtual Organ Academy on Saturday, January 31st at 12:00 pm ET!

That vast array of buttons, drawstops, expression pedals and other controls on an organ console can seem overwhelming at first glance--but if we start with a systematic understanding of what they are and their possibilities, we can use our (always-limited) setup time much more efficiently and effectively. In the same way, a score with no registration or dynamic indications can seem like a closed book: how do we start exploring the possibilities in a new piece? In this session of the Virtual Organ Academy, Jonathan Oldengarm presents two structured approaches to understanding organ registration, one from the organology side, and the other from the repertoire performance practice side.

The presentation begins at 12:00 pm ET, and is free to attend. To participate in the session on Discord, click here to register for instructions. If you prefer to watch on YouTube, a link will be posted here before the event.

We hope to see you there!

Registration is now open for Summer Organ Academy 2026!

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:19:44 GMT

Registration is now open!

Spaces are limited! Click here to reserve your spot!

Funding the Future: President's Appeal

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:17:30 GMT

In this final installment of this year's Funding the Future video series, we are joined by Chellan Hoffman, President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. To watch the clip, click the thumbnail below:

Funding the Future is our annual campaign to raise funds to support vital national projects that create opportunities for organ learners and strengthen support for the organ music community. The ongoing success of existing programs and development of new initiatives would not be possible without your support. Please consider making a donation today if you are able. This year, our fundraising goal is $30,000. Each and every donation is deeply appreciated.

Funding the Future: National Organ Competition

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:34:53 GMT

In this week's Funding the Future video, National Organ Competition Co-Chairs Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht & Dr. Joachim Segger share a brief discussion of Canada's premier national showcase for emerging concert organists. To learn more, click the thumbnail below:

Job Opportunity: Project Manager - Organ Festival Canada

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:38:41 GMT

The Royal Canadian College of Organists seeks an experienced Project Manager to ensure the successful planning and delivery of Organ Festival Canada in Vancouver, 2027.

Position Summary

The Project Manager will perform a lead role in the planning and delivery of Organ Festival Canada in Vancouver, BC in July 2027. Organ Festival Canada, our national Festival and conference, is the main meeting place for Canada’s organ music community and our most important outreach initiative to engage with the public.

The Project Manager will develop Festival plans, long-range timelines and deliverables, manage the budget, ensure that the Festival aligns with artistic and cultural objectives, and goals are met. The Project Manager will take direction from the Organ Festival Canada Committee, seek input from the Local Centre, and work closely with the Executive Director.

This is a part-time position that requires increasing availability closer to and during the event, including some evenings and weekends. The successful candidate will be based in the Vancouver area with the ability to work remotely, participate in meetings (online or in person) as needed, and the capacity to be on-site during the Festival. The rate of pay is $30.00 per hour and the desired start date is January 19, 2026.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Shannon at execdirector@rcco.ca. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m., December 22, 2025.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Key Responsibilities of OFC Project Manager:

develop project plans and execution strategies, set deadlines, manage project scope from initiation to completion
support Organ Festival Canada committee in developing schedule and programming
secure performance venues and performers and coordinate with artists and stakeholders, handling relationships professionally
manage project budget, track expenses and cash flow
solicit funding through grant applications and sponsorships
manage event logistics
coordinate program booklet production
develop a marketing and communications plan in collaboration with the national office and local representatives
perform administrative tasks, such as contracts and documentation
recruit and coordinate volunteers for Registration, Front of House, and preparation of Delegate Kit Bag (TBC)
plan hospitality and receptions (TBC)
monitor project progress and flag risks or delays proactively and report on project outcomes to the Executive Director.

Qualifications

minimum of 3 years’ experience in project management
strong skills in planning, scheduling, budget management, and risk assessment
excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills, and relationship management abilities
high level of organization, detail orientation, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
understanding of the arts and culture sector, including the importance of public engagement
familiarity with the organ music community an asset
technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive (Docs, Slides, Sheets), and email marketing platforms (MailChimp, Constant Contact, or similar)
familiarity with project management tools (Gantt or similar) an asset
self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Funding the Future: OrgelkidsCAN

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:28:50 GMT

This week's Funding the Future video comes to us from Michael Dirk, Vancouver Centre Vice President and Education Officer, and Coordinator of the OrgelKidsCAN program for the region. To check out the clip, click the thumbnail below:

Remembering Dr Giles Bryant

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:31:22 GMT

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr Giles Bryant, beloved Canadian organist and choral director, composer and educator passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 91. Dr Bryant served as President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists from 1990-1992 and was elected an honorary Fellow of the College the following year. He was widely known for his encouragement of young organists and choristers and will be remembered for the warmth, wit, and generosity he shared with everyone.

Tomorrow: Virtual Organ Academy Welcomes Ryan Baxter & Valerie Hall

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:17:48 GMT

Don't miss the next session of Virtual Organ Academy tomorrow, Saturday, November 29th at 12:00 pm ET!

Do you consider yourself an organist or a pianist? Or, why not both?! Both the organ and piano are rooted in a shared musical tradition and method for training keyboardists and yet also each have their independent playing techniques and approaches. Through discussion led by guest speakers Ryan Baxter and Valerie Hall we will explore the interconnectivity between the piano and organ worlds and where these instruments differ in the areas of performance, pedagogy, practice, and playing technique. This is a great opportunity for keyboardists looking to broaden their understandings of one or both of these instruments, as well as teachers seeking inspiration around assisting students transitioning between organ and piano.

The presentation begins at 12:00 pm ET, and is free to attend. To participate in the session on Discord, click here to register for instructions. To watch on YouTube, click here.

We hope to see you there!

Funding the Future: Summer Organ Academy & Virtual Organ Academy

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:25:40 GMT

In this week's Funding the Future video, join Dr. Sarah Svendsen, Artistic Director of Summer Organ Academy and Virtual Organ Academy, for a brief overview of the learning opportunities offered by the College. To learn more, click the thumbnail below:

Funding the Future: Music Publications

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:08:12 GMT

In this week's Funding the Future video, Dr. Peter Nikiforuk shares some of the recent activities of the Music Publications Committee. To learn more, click the thumbnail below:

Funding the Future: Examinations

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:05:38 GMT

Funding the Future is our annual campaign to raise funds to support vital national projects that create opportunities for organ learners and strengthen support for the organ music community. As part of this initiative, we will be sharing weekly videos that spotlight some of the exciting programming that is planned for the coming year.

In today's clip, we join Examinations Chair Dr. Aaron James for a brief overview of the College's exam offerings, including some new programs that are in the works. To learn more, click the thumbnail below:

The ongoing success of existing programs and development of new initiatives would not be possible without your support. Please consider making a donation today if you are able. Your gift helps us to provide more opportunities and engage more people in the organ and its music. This year, our fundraising goal is $30,000. Each and every donation is deeply appreciated.

Funding the Future

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:58:24 GMT

Funding the Future is our annual campaign to raise funds to support vital national programming that creates opportunities for organ learners and strengthens support for the organ music community. The ongoing success of existing programs and development of new initiatives would not be possible without your support.

Please consider making a donation today if you are able. Your gift helps us to provide more opportunities and engage more people in the organ and its music. This year, our fundraising goal is $30,000. Each and every donation is deeply appreciated.

Click the video below to join President-Elect Dr. Patrick Carter as he shares details of the launch of this year's Funding the Future campaign. Thank you!

Meet ARCCO Graduate Nicholas Busch

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:54:24 GMT

My name is Nicholas Busch, and I’ve had the recent honour of earning my Associateship with the RCCO this past May. Prior to this, I’ve received a Masters degree in Collaborative Piano Performance from Western University, studying with Dr. John Hess and Mariana Chibotar-Rutkevich. I’m the Director of Music at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, on Elgin St. in Ottawa, and most of my other work is as a collaborative pianist with several choirs in Ottawa, and teaching private piano lessons. I began my organ studies about 4 years ago, and was very thoughtfully guided towards completion of my ARCCO exam by Wesley Warren, to whom I attribute most of my technical understanding of the instrument. The organ is a fascinating instrument, and what I enjoy most about it is that it has taught me to listen and comprehend music in ways that I simply was not challenged to as a pianist. With my studies in organ performance, as well as choral conducting, I feel that I have become (or rather, am becoming) a more holistic and complete musician. Organists who inspire me include the aforementioned Wesley Warren, whose calm and deliberate approach to the instrument is inspiration in itself, and others who I find myself drawn to in performance include Oliver Latry, Thierry Escaich and Thomas Ospital to name a few. If you’d like to learn more about me please feel free to visit my website: nbusch.ca

Friends of Canadian Music Award

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:28:11 GMT

The Canadian League of Composers and the Canadian Music Centre's "Friends of Canadian Music Award" is now open for submissions. Follow the link below for more details:

https://www.composition.org/news/friends-of-canadian-music-award-2025/

Seeking Members for New Organ Festival Canada Committee!

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:58:53 GMT

Organ Festival Canada, now recognized as our most important national outreach vehicle, has a new management model that provides more support for local host committees. The new model, a collaboration between the local Steering Committee, a newly constituted Organ Festival Canada Committee, and a professional Project Manager, will provide a tailored experience for the local Steering Committee, allowing them to determine their desired level of Festival management. The newly constituted Organ Festival Canada Committee and a Professional Project Manager will do the rest!

We are currently seeking individuals interested in serving on the Organ Festival Canada Committee to oversee the planning, finance, and development of the 2027 Festival and work with the Project Manager to ensure its successful delivery. Individuals with previous Festival experience and project management skills are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to help grow the Festival and raise awareness about the organ and its music in Canada, please submit a letter of interest and a brief biography to the Chair of Human Resources, Peter West, at info@rcco.ca no later than September 22, 2025.

Results of the 2025 National Organ Competition

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:28:03 GMT

We are very excited to announce the results of the 2025 National Organ Competition:

1st place - Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Prize ($6,000): Maria Gajraj
WINNER: Douglas Haas Prize ($1,000), Jan Overduin Audience Prize ($1,000)

Maria Gajraj is a Montréal-based organist and Doctoral Candidate at McGill University. Her research focuses on 20th-century Caribbean organ repertoire. She is the co-founder of Sapphonix Collective, which promotes women, queer, and racialized classical musicians, and has been featured on CBC Radio. Maria has performed internationally, at venues like Blackburn Cathedral (UK), Maison Symphonique (Montreal), and in series such as Cal Performances and Bergen Orgelsommer. A recipient of the Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship (2022) and other awards, her doctoral research is funded by the FRQ (Fonds de Recherche du Quebec). In her concert programs, Maria is passionate about highlighting women and composers of colour. As Deirdre Piper wrote in “Pipelines”, Maria’s “spirited, clean, and colourful performance lent real meaningful significance” to this music. By creating engaging concert programs, and by featuring the organ in innovative and multidisciplinary contexts, Maria strives to break stereotypes, and to make the organ more accessible to everyone.

2nd place - Paul Murray Memorial Prize ($3,000): Qing Xu

Qing Xu is now a doctorate student at McGill University, where she studies with Isabelle Demers. Prior to commencing her studies in Montreal, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the China Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing in the class of Yuan Shen, a leading Chinese organist. Her professional career in organ performance began in 2018 when she was selected for the Haarlem International Organ Festival’s “Young Talent” program. The same year, she also won the second prize in Concours International d’orgue de Versailles Jeune Talent (Versailles International Young Concert Organist Competition). In 2021, she won the Special Jury Prize at the 12th International M. Tariverdiev Organ Competition. Ms. Xu has performed the Chinese premiere of numerous works and has given recitals in several cities in China. She worked with composer Chang Qi on her piece Micro-carving, which won the International Kajia Saariaho Organ Composition Competition prize and was performed at the inauguration of the Helsinki Music Centre’s new organ in 2024. As a specialist in late Romantic repertoire, several of Ms. Xu’s articles on this topic have been published in Chinese academic journals.

3rd place - Muriel Gidley Stafford Prize ($1,500): Isaac Howie

Isaac Howie, a Vancouver organist, entered UBC at 15, initially to study Forestry. He finished a B.Mus. in May 2025, studying organ with Michael Dirk and harpsichord/improvisation with Alexander Weimann, along with a major in Classics; he also holds an ARCT in piano performance. Since 2021, he has been organist of Holy Family Parish, Vancouver (FSSP), and has participated in workshops with David Briggs, Edoardo Belotti, David Palmer, Marc D’Anjou, and Denis Bédard. Now a sought-after collaborator, he has played with the Vancouver Symphony, improvised for Silent Movie Mondays at the Orpheum Theatre, featured in Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony with the West Coast Symphony, and at Holy Rosary; he also participated in the 2nd Internationaler Feith Orgelwettbewerb last year in Blieskastel, Germany and was selected as winner of the 2025 Godfrey Hewitt Annual Memorial Scholarship. Isaac was President of the RCCO Vancouver Centre from 2024 - 25, and his choral work has been premiered by the Vancouver Chamber Choir. In September 2025, he will begin an M.Mus. with renowned historical improviser Sietze de Vries at the Prins Claus conservatoire in Groningen, Netherlands.

We would also like to congratulate the three other semi-finalists: Peter Bayer, Samuel Lee and Aron Sipos. The jury commented on the very high standard of all of the candidates who advanced to the last stages of the competition. The semi-final and final rounds were held earlier in July at Organ Festival Canada 2025 in Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph, Ontario.

In addition, we would like to extend our thanks to this year's jurors: Marnie Giesbrecht, Stephanie Martin, Gregg Redner, Lee Willingham and Patricia Wright, as well as the jurors for the preliminary round: Lottie Enns-Braun, Andrew Henderson and Jonathan Oldengarm. Click here to read more about the jury members.

Special Performances of Prize-Winning Compositions for Solo Organ

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:25:00 GMT

Don't miss these premiere performances of the three prize-winning compositions selected at the inaugural Rachel Laurin Composition Competition! Performances take place during Organ Festival Canada (event details are included below). To purchase concert tickets, click here.

Variations on Tetris Theme (Korobeiniki) by Zoltán Májer (Hungary) - 1st Prize Winner
Thursday, July 10 at 4:00 pm
Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (Guelph)
Performed by Alexander Straus-Fausto

Æther, Double Fugue in F# Minor by Dr. Sandon Lowe (Australia) - 2nd Prize Winner
Wednesday, July 9 at 11:30 am
St Matthews Lutheran Church (Kitchener)
Performed by Martin Jones; composer in attendance

Toccata-Gigue by Tyler Versluis (Canada) - 3rd Prize Winner
Tuesday, July 8 at 2:30 pm
St John the Evangelist Anglican Church (Kitchener)
Performed by Joshua Ehlebracht; composer in attendance

Annual General Meeting - Materials and Zoom Link

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:09:20 GMT

Materials for the upcoming Annual General Meeting have been posted in the Members Discussion Forum.

The meeting takes place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and will be held in-person at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kitchener, ON, and by teleconference via Zoom (a link to join the meeting is provided along with the meeting materials).

We look forward to seeing you there.

Alexander Straus-Fausto Winner of the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize!

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:48:20 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Alexander Straus-Fausto has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize.

Straus-Fausto was selected from a strong contingent of five applicants from across Canada in a unanimous decision by jury members Neil Cockburn, Isabelle Demers, John Paul Farahat, and Jonathan Oldengarm, who noted the high standard of all the applicants. Read about Straus-Fausto here.

Foundation member, Dr. Robin Elliott, will present the award on Thursday, July 10 at the Isabelle Demers concert during Organ Festival Canada.

Congratulations Alexander!

2025 Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:46:49 GMT

Experience the power and beauty of the organ in an inspiring and exciting concert featuring seven extraordinary organ artists.

Can't attend in-person? Buy an e-ticket and watch online! "

Tickets and more info available at https://all-star-organ-concert.eventbrite.ca

Virtual Organ Academy: Salvaging Children's Music Education: A Church Musician's Role in the Musical Education of their Local Community

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:01:33 GMT

Canadian organist/conductor/pianist/composer and current President of the Royal College of Organists, Sarah MacDonald, reflects on the role of the church musician in the education of children and the next generation, from the elite UK boarding choir school to the most ordinary of primary/elementary establishments. Reductions in funding to music (and indeed, the arts in general) in public school systems around the world are worrying for all of us. How can we, as organists and choir trainers, redress the balance, so that these valuable and worthwhile skills are not lost completely? Drawing on her many years of experience as Director of the Girl Choristers at Ely Cathedral and Director of Music at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, Sarah explores the various ways in which church musicians are filling in the musical gaps left by years of government cuts in the UK. She will be joined by her colleague, Jonathan Schranz, a former member of her choir at Selwyn, who is now Director of Music at St George’s RC Cathedral Southwark (London) and who is responsible for delivering one of the UK’s groundbreaking initiatives to teach singing and musical literacy to thousands of primary-school-aged children in the UK, where music education is all but lost in non-fee-paying schools. Plenty of time will be allowed for discussion about how the various programmes in the UK are potentially relevant/transferable to the musical education of Canadian children.

Sarah MacDonald is a Canadian-born, UK-resident conductor, organist, pianist, and composer. She is Director of Music at Selwyn College, Cambridge, and Director of Ely Cathedral’s Girl Choristers. Sarah has been at Selwyn since 1999, and was the first woman to hold such a post in an Oxbridge Chapel. She is also Organist to the University of Cambridge, the first woman to hold that historic office. She studied at the University of Cambridge and the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, and her teachers include Marek Jablonski, Leon Fleisher, John Tuttle, and David Sanger. Sarah has made over commercial 35 recordings; her first solo disc, a recording of the Goldberg Variations on the Steinway-D at Ely Cathedral, was released in 2024. Sarah performs internationally every year and is in demand as a conductor, organist, and examiner. She has over 60 published works for choir and/or organ, and has written a popular book about the British choral tradition, a compilation of her column for the American Organist magazine ‘UK Report’, which she has contributed monthly since 2009. Sarah is currently serving as President of the Royal College of Organists. In her spare time, she is a keen amateur photographer.

Jonathan Schranz is a conductor based in London. He studied choral conducting at the Royal Academy of Music where he was awarded a Distinction along with numerous prizes. Prior to this he read music at Churchill College, Cambridge, graduating with first class honours in 2015. He was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2023.

He is Director of Music for the Archdiocese of Southwark and at its mother church of St George’s Cathedral, where he oversees the Cathedral Music Department and its four cathedral choirs each week. This includes the Children’s Choir, Junior Choir, Cathedral Consort, and Cathedral Choir of mixed choristers, choral and organ scholars and professional lay clerks. Jonathan is also director of the Southwark Singing Programme, a diocesan music education programme which facilitates whole-class singing in 21 schools across the archdiocese each week. In recent years the cathedral choirs have made two commercial CD recordings and given regular BBC broadcast performances.

A firm believer in the transformative social impact of choral music, Jonathan is a co-founder and trustee of the charity Sing Inside, which delivers singing workshops in prisons across the country. His master’s thesis, exploring the benefits of choral music within a prison chaplaincy, has been presented at the Universities of Leicester and Oxford.

When off the podium, Jonathan spends his time in aquariums, zoos and penny arcades.

This is a free event. For more details, or to register to attend, click here.

Date: May 31, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET on organCONNECT Discord channel

Organ Festival Canada: George Rahi & Robyn Jacob

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:54:59 GMT

On July 7th Organ Festival Canada is delighted to be premiering a debut piece for augmented organ and choir by Robyn Jacob & George Rahi.

Robyn Jacob is a composer, pianist, vocalist and educator living and working from the unceded territories of the Sḵwxwú7mesh, Xwməθkwəyəm and Səl’il’wətaʔ Nations, also known as Vancouver. Her compositions include commissions by Grammy winning Third Coast Percussion (Chicago), Architek Percussion (Montreal), Grammy winning Sō Percussion (Brooklyn), Chor Leoni (Vancouver), and the Victoria Symphony, as well as collaborations with visual artists and instrument makers. Her avant-pop project Only A Visitor (Mint Records) has toured internationally and released four albums to date. She has released two albums with her duo project The Giving Shapes in collaboration with harpist Elisa Thorn. Her new solo project Immix explores the emotive narratives of voice and electronics. From 2012 - 2024 she was part of the multi-disciplinary art collective Publik Secrets, whose work includes a variety of public space interventions, performances, installations and ephemeral gatherings, including Gamelan Bike Bike, which she co-led with artist and composer George Rahi for over ten years.

George Rahi is an artist and composer based in Vancouver, unceded Coast Salish territories. He works with speculative instruments and technologies as a method of exploring acoustic and digital anomalies, modes of listening, and spatial and architectural thinking. His work includes installations, instrument making, solo + ensemble performance, and works for radio, theatre & public spaces. Recent presentations include the Stavanger Concert Hall, Artificial Sonification exhibition (Matera), SPEKTRUM (Berlin), Kunst-Station Sankt Peter (Cologne), Institute for New Music (Salzburg), and Orgelpark (Amsterdam). His work has been supported by awards such as the Canadian Music Centre's Adaskin Prize, Lab30 Audience Award, Canada Council for the Arts Guest of Honour (Frankfurt), R. Murray Schafer Soundscape Award, and through mentorships with artists such as Dewa Alit and Trimpin. He has been an artist in residence at Elektronmusikstudion (EMS), Bergen Centre for Electronic Art, Locus Sonus Research Group (Aix Marseille University), and hcma architecture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Sznab1GFs

Organ Festival Canada: Alexander Straus-Fausto

Fri, 09 May 2025 15:12:10 GMT

Organ Festival Canada is excited to welcome Alexander Straus-Fausto on July 10th!

Alexander Richard Straus-Fausto is known for his exhilarating, clean, colorful, virtuosic, sensitive, and innovative organ performances. He has a broad repertoire of music, dating from early fifteenth-century keyboard music to contemporary organ repertoire. He is a member of The Diapason’s “20 under 30 Class of 2023,” which recognizes the most talented young artists under the age of 30 who have made significant contributions to the fields of organ performance, harpsichord, and church music. His mission is to sell the organ to a much wider audience. He is currently assistant organist at St. George's Cathedral in Kingston Ontario.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggig6-dishc

Organ Festival Canada: Isabelle Demers

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:40:24 GMT

Organ Festival Canada is excited to welcome Isabelle Demers on July 10th!

There is no shortage of organists who make their instruments roar; and while her power was never in question,
Demers made the instrument sing.”
(Peter Reed, Classical Source.com, England, 2016)

With playing described as having “bracing virtuosity” (Chicago Classical Review) and being “fearless and extraordinary” (Amarillo-Globe News), Isabelle Demers has enraptured critics, presenters, and audience members around the globe.

She has appeared in recital throughout Europe, Oman, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, including at the Cathedrals of Cologne and Regensburg (Germany); the ElbPhilharmonie (Hamburg); the Royal Festival Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey (London); City Hall (Stockholm); the Royal Opera House of Muscat (Oman); the Forbidden City Concert Hall (Beijing, China); Victoria Hall (Singapore); Melbourne Town Hall (Australia); Auckland Town Hall (New Zealand); Disney Hall (Los Angeles), Davies Hall (San Francisco), the Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas), the Kimmel Center, and the Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s (Philadelphia); and the Maison Symphonique (Montréal).

Dr. Demers is in continual high demand by her colleagues as witnessed by performances for numerous regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Institute of Organ Builders and International Society of Organbuilders, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and the Organ Historical Society. She has released multiple CD recordings on the Acis and Pro Organo labels. Her latest CD, recorded at Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel, was released in January 2020, and includes works of Reger, Laurin, Dupré, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Macmillan.

A native of Québec and a doctoral graduate of the Juilliard School, Dr. Demers is Associate Professor of Organ at McGill University (Montréal, Québec). She was formerly the Joyce Bowden Chair in Organ and Head of the Organ Program at Baylor University (Waco, Texas).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-s_9Af-oZo

In Memoriam: Barrie Cabena

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:26:28 GMT

The RCCO joins with organists around the world to mourn the death of Barrie Cabena in Guelph Ontario last week at age 91 after a short decline. Known and appreciated by people in both English and French milieus, organ builders, organ players, and organ music composers, church liturgists, students and concert performers. There is much of his composing output still to be discovered: Sonatas da Chiesa, Homage pieces that grew out of this Australian’s 1967 RCCO Canadian Centennial Project commission to encompass 100 pieces honouring his colleagues, friends, graduated students and fellow artists. Many organs built by Canadian companies with his collaboration as consultant helped spread the Orgel Bewegung ideas and performance practice tenants through the fabric of Canadian music making.

Barrie Cabena's full obituary is available to read here: https://wallcustance.com/acf-death-notices/h-barrie-cabena/

Organ Festival Canada: Jonathan Oldengarm

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:47:13 GMT

Organ Festival Canada is excited to welcome Jonathan Oldengarm on July 8th!

Hailed for his “unalloyed musicality”, organist, harpsichordist, conductor, chamber musician and arranger Jonathan Oldengarm loves to colour outside the lines. Passionate about repertoire from the 16th to 21st centuries, he is equally at home as a soloist and ensemble player.

His recording credits include discs on the ATMA Classique, Klanglogo and Analekta labels with Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal; saxophonist Claudia Tesorino; the Ottawa Bach Choir (Lisette Canton, director); the A&P Choir (Jean-Sébastien Vallée, conductor); and Buzz Brass. Recent performance collaborations include Hammer Baroque, the 2023 and 2025 RCCO National Conventions, KW Symphony Brass Quintet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Trinity Bach Project, the Elora Festival, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Gallery Players, North Winds Concerts and Cappella Intima.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5uzqdH_xjo

Organ Festival Canada: Sarah Svendsen

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:39:32 GMT

Organ Festival Canada is excited to welcome Sarah Svendsen on July 9th!

Described by Chronicler Musical, La Liberté as “greatly virtuosic”, Concert Organist Sarah Svendsen maintains a busy career as a soloist, musical collaborator, educator, and clinician. As both a soloist as well as an ensemble performer, Dr. Svendsen is known for her imaginative and engaging performances, including the athletic, inspiring, and fun performance style of her Comedy Duo, “Organized Crime”. She has performed organ concerti with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and has been recorded for both Radio and YouTube by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC), playing Apocalypsis by Canadian Composer R. Murray Schaffer as well as Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbm_Pl1W0HQ

Virtual Organ Academy: International Organ Day

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:32:51 GMT

Celebrate International Organ Day with us as we showcase Canadian organ music curated and presented by organists Jonathan Oldergarm and Sarah Svendsen, organ and piano duo Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger (Duo Majoya), and composers George Rahi, Neil Weisensel, and Tyler Versluis (3rd place winner of the 2025 Rachel Lauren Composition Competition).

This is a free event. To register, click here.

Date: April 26, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET on organCONNECT Discord channel

2025 Rachel Laurin Composition Competition Winners Announced

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:26:21 GMT

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Rachel Laurin Composition Competition!

1st place: Variations on Tetris Theme, Zoltán Májer (Hungary)

2nd place: Aether, Double Fugue in F# Minor, Dr. Sandon Lowe (Australia)

3rd place: Toccata-Gigue, Tyler Versluis (Canada)

The Competition attracted twenty-nine submissions by twenty-three composers from around the world including Australia, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the USA.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural round of the Competition.

For more details, and to listen to the winning entries, click here.

National Organ Competition Semi-Finalists Announced

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:22:29 GMT

We are very excited to announce the six semi-finalists for this year's National Organ Competition: Peter Bayer, Maria Gajraj, Isaac Howie, Samuel Lee, Aron Sipos and Qing Xu (see bios below). We would like to thank our preliminary jurors: Lottie Enns-Braun, Andrew Henderson and Jonathan Oldengarm.

Peter Bayer, FAGO, holds a BA in Organ Performance and Classics from The Catholic University of America. He has been the Bevan Organ Scholar at Trinity College of the University of Toronto since the fall of 2022 whilst writing his PhD dissertation on the notion of the inner teacher in Clement of Alexandria, Augustine of Hippo, and the Platonist tradition. At The Catholic University of America, he studied with Prof. Ronald Stolk, and he spent the fall semester of 2016 in Rome studying the Italian baroque organ repertoire under the instruction of Maestro Armando Carideo, performing a recital at Santa Barbara dei Librai on the restored Renaissance instrument there. In 2018, he passed the fellowship examination of the American Guild of Organists, winning the FAGO prize and Lewis Elmer Award for academic excellence. He has performed recitals in several churches around the Washington, DC area and in Toronto, including St. Matthew’s Cathedral in DC, St. James Cathedral, and for the Organix series in Toronto. Further, he has participated in masterclasses at the Oberlin Summer Organ Academy, the McGill Summer Organ Academy, and The Organ Scholar Experience, a week-long program at Oxford run by the Royal College of Organists.

Maria Gajraj is a Montréal-based organist and Doctoral Candidate at McGill University. Her research focuses on 20th-century Caribbean organ repertoire. She is the co-founder of Sapphonix Collective, which promotes women, queer, and racialized classical musicians, and has been featured on CBC Radio. Maria has performed internationally, at venues like Blackburn Cathedral (UK), Maison Symphonique (Montreal), and in series such as Cal Performances and Bergen Orgelsommer. A recipient of the Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship (2022) and other awards, her doctoral research is funded by the FRQ (Fonds de Recherche du Quebec). In her concert programs, Maria is passionate about highlighting women and composers of colour. As Deirdre Piper wrote in “Pipelines”, Maria’s “spirited, clean, and colourful performance lent real meaningful significance” to this music. By creating engaging concert programs, and by featuring the organ in innovative and multidisciplinary contexts, Maria strives to break stereotypes, and to make the organ more accessible to everyone.

Completing a BMus at the University of British Columbia this spring, Isaac Howie is an organist and lifelong Vancouverite. Entering UBC at 15, he studied organ with Michael Dirk and harpsichord/improvisation with Alexander Weimann, after studying Forestry and alongside a major in Classics; clinicians have included David Briggs, David Palmer, Marc D’Anjou, Denis Bédard and Edoardo Belotti. Since 2021, he has been organist at Holy Family Vancouver (FSSP), and holds an ARCT in piano. A sought-after collaborator, recent highlights include improvised Silent Movie Mondays at the Orpheum Theatre, Stainer’s Crucifixion at St. Mary’s Vancouver, Rutter’s Gloria at the Chan Centre, Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony at Christ Church Vancouver, and Mozart’s Requiem at Holy Rosary; he also appeared in the 2nd Internationaler Feith Orgelwettbewerb last year in Blieskastel, Germany. Isaac has been President of the RCCO Vancouver Centre from 2024 - 25, and his choral work has been premiered by the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Besides playing organ, Isaac enjoys building computers, brewing coffee and selling real estate.

Samuel Lee is an organist and a pianist who loves exploring transcribed music written for other instruments. He is currently a doctoral candidate at McGill University studying organ performance with Isabelle Demers, receiving twice the Graduate Excellence Fellowship, and lately the John Grew Award. Samuel was finalist in the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition in 2023. In 2021, placed third in the RCCO National Organ Playing Competition, Samuel was awarded the Muriel Gidley Stafford Prize. He received the Healey Willan Prize and the Heather Spry Prize on completing the FRCCO, while at the same time completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance with David Jalbert at the University of Ottawa. Samuel also obtained an ARCT diploma in piano. Samuel has previously served at Montreal West United Church, and Christ Church Cathedral Montreal.

Originally from Budapest, Hungary, Áron Sipos is currently an undergraduate student at McGill University, where he studies organ with Isabelle Demers. Previously Áron studied organ with László Stachó and Ferenc Monostori, and music theory and composition with Boglárka Terray and Márton Levente Horváth. Since his arrival in Canada, Áron has been organ scholar at The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montréal. Áron has won multiple awards and scholarships, including the Hugh Brock and Schulich scholarships from McGill University, the Undergraduate Trust from Cambridge University, and The Donald and Helen Mackey memorial award. Áron is the recipient of third place and a special distinction for sight-reading in the 2022 National Hungarian organ competition. Áron has appeared in solo recitals in Montréal and Budapest, including a concert at The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul as part of their Organ Intermezzi Summer Organ Concert series. In the 2024-2025 academic year Áron also had the privilege of accompanying the combined McGill choirs in Vierne’s Messe Solennelle, as well as performing as a soloist with the McGill Baroque Orchestra. A student with varied interests, Áron is also profoundly interested in history, mathematics and philosophy.

Qing Xu is now a doctorate student at McGill University, where she studies with Isabelle Demers. Prior to commencing her studies in Montreal, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the China Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing in the class of Yuan Shen, a leading Chinese organist. Her professional career in organ performance began in 2018 when she was selected for the Haarlem International Organ Festival’s “Young Talent” program. The same year, she also won the second prize in Concours International d’orgue de Versailles Jeune Talent (Versailles International Young Concert Organist Competition). In 2021, she won the Special Jury Prize at the 12th International M. Tariverdiev Organ Competition. Ms. Xu has performed the Chinese premiere of numerous works and has given recitals in several cities in China. She worked with composer Chang Qi on her piece Micro-carving, which won the International Kajia Saariaho Organ Composition Competition prize and was performed at the inauguration of the Helsinki Music Centre’s new organ in 2024. As a specialist in late Romantic repertoire, several of Ms. Xu’s articles on this topic have been published in Chinese academic journals.

Notice of Nominations

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:53:33 GMT

We are pleased to announce the list of nominees standing for election to the 2025-2026 Board of Directors and Regional Council.

Additional nominations for these positions may be made by the membership on or before May 1, 2025. Nomination submissions must be received by the National Office on or before May 1, 2025 and consist of 1) the consent in writing of the nominee, and 2) the signatures of five other members in support of the nomination.

Where only one person is nominated for a position, those nominated will be elected by acclamation. Where more than one person is nominated for the available position(s) an election will be conducted. (In the event more than one person is nominated for a Regional Councillor position, only members of Centres in that region are eligible to vote.) If required, the election will be conducted online and managed by a third-party voting service provider to maintain confidentiality. A notice with candidate information and full voting instructions will be sent in mid-May. Members without an email address will receive an election package in the mail. Voting will close June 15, 2025. (Members who have email but would prefer to vote by mail-in ballot must notify the national office prior to May 1, 2025.)

Virtual Organ Academy: Setting Attainable Goals With RCCO Exams

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:43:55 GMT

Don't miss the next session of Virtual Organ Academy this Saturday, March 22! This month, we welcome special guest presenters Aaron James and Peter Nikiforuk to discuss Setting Attainable Goals With RCCO Exams. Registration is free (click here to get started).

One of the most important benefits of belonging to the RCCO is the College's exam system, which is recognized by employers and arts organizations both in Canada and internationally. For many players, however, taking an exam can be intimidating, especially for people who have not been in an academic environment for a long time. This session will focus on the RCCO exams that are designed to be accessible to the greatest number of players: the Service Playing Certificate and the Colleague diploma. These exams test skills that you are likely already using if you play organ for weekly church services, and the option of a recorded exam for the Service Playing Certificate makes it possible to complete this certification on your own schedule without travelling to an in-person exam location. Aaron James, chair of the Examinations committee and Peter Nikiforuk, chair of the Board of Examiners, will discuss the requirements of these exams, common pitfalls, and tips for successful preparation.

This presentation will take place on Discord, an online platform that we have recently adopted to facilitate communication and conversation among members and friends of the organ music community. For instructions on setting up Discord, go to rcco.ca/Discord, where we have new video resources that offer a step-by-step guide to the process.

We hope to see you there!

Exhibit space available at Organ Festival Canada 2025

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:15:20 GMT

Organ Festival Canada 2025 will be hosted in Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph, Ontario from July 7-10, 2025. There will be an area set aside for socializing and registration which will include space for exhibits (to promote organ and choral music or other items of interest) from Monday, July 7 to Wednesday, July 9. The exhibit space this year will be made available free of charge, but space is limited so please register to confirm a spot. Questions and table reservations can be sent to Scott Knarr at mscottknarr@gmail.com.

Virtual Organ Academy: Strategies for Productive Practising

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:23:25 GMT

The next session of Virtual Organ Academy is coming up on February 22! Join special guest presenter Anne Laver for a discussion of Strategies for Productive Practising. Registration is free (click here to get started).

Are you looking for techniques to refresh your practice sessions? Are you a teacher looking for tips to pass on to your students? This workshop will offer ways to make the best possible use of limited practice time. Anne Laver will discuss the importance of simple physical warm-ups and mindfulness techniques to start a practice session and will then share specific strategies for standard repertoire. We will also discuss how to adapt some of these strategies for choir rehearsals. Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring pieces or excerpts to be used as case studies.

We hope to see you there!

In Memoriam: Joanne Hart

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:01:53 GMT

Joanne Hart led an extraordinary life, as a child, student, mother, wife, friend, volunteer, organist and businesswoman. She gave her all to everything with her boundless energy and dedication.

She was born Mary Joanne Williams on Jun 14, 1927, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, to George and Marie Williams. At age 6, she began piano lessons, continuing until age 16, when she turned to the pipe organ. Her senior year, she became organist at New Philadelphia’s Presbyterian Church.

After high school, following her mother’s and aunt’s paths, she studied music at Oberlin College. When she married Donald Hart, she continued her studies at the College of Wooster. Six years of lessons under Dr. Richard T. Gore, professor at Wooster’s Conservatory of Music, taught her the intricacies of the pipe organ.

In 1953, Joanne’s young family moved to Akron, Ohio. She became organist at Bethany Lutheran Church, where a tradition started. For the Easter Sunday postlude, she played Charles Marie Widor’s magnificent Toccata from Symphony V. For the Christmas postlude, it was J S Bach’s Baroque masterpiece, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. When she became organist at Trinity United Church of Christ, the tradition continued for the next fifteen years.

Joanne’s life in Akron was a busy one. First, she raised her three children. She was an active member in the American Guild of Organists, as well as the Akron Children’s Concert Society. As a part-time job, she played for funerals at Billows funeral home. $5 per funeral!

In 1970, Joanne and her family moved to Toronto. Joanne joined the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), where she was Regional Director for thirteen years and managed the National Travelling Clinicians program. She also served on the National Council. In 2012, RCCO recognized her by making her an Honorary Life Member and presenting her with the Distinguished Service Award.

Joanne was also active in the Toronto Symphony Volunteers Committee. She organized and led their popular musical-education program in which Symphony musicians presented lecture-demonstrations to music students at area high schools.

With the idea of helping aspiring concert musicians become known, in 1974 Joanne partnered with Anne Murdoch to launch Hart-Murdoch Artists Management. When they retired, twenty-three years later, the small, four-person firm had assisted represented over 150 musicians, organizing tours in Canada, and internationally. for them throughout Canada.

1974 was also the year Joanne become organist at Toronto’s First Church of Christ Science. There, her Easter and Christmas postlude tradition continued, starting with the Widor Toccata at Easter. Word circulated before the service that their new organist was playing a special piece for the postlude. Instead of standing to leave when it started, the congregation remained seated. At the ending long, glorious chord, silence. Then, a sprinkle of clapping. Soon, the entire congregation was clapping—and kept clapping. At Christmas, it was the same.

The tradition Joanne started in 1953 ended 66 years later, in 2019, when she was 92. Old age did not stop her. The COVID lockdown did.

Joanne Hart, you will be missed.

----------------------

Both pieces will be played at Joanne Hart’s memorial service, at Toronto’s Metropolitan United Church. Saturday, January 18, at 11 AM.

All are welcome.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 15. hartchr@gmail.com

In Memoriam: William Wright

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:15:38 GMT

We are saddened to share the news that longtime RCCO member William Wright passed away in his sleep early in the morning of January 6th.

We hold his widow, Patricia Wright, and all of William’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

Beloved as an educator, esteemed musician, scholar and colleague, William touched the lives of many in this city and beyond through his music, kindness, and wisdom. He will be deeply missed.

The following biography appeared in the 2023 RCCO/OHS Convention book:

William Henry Montague Wright graduated from Victoria College with a bachelor’s degree in Honours English and then took up studies in Theology in Emmanuel College. He graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1964 winning a scholarship in Church Arts. During this time, he obtained the Fellowship of the Royal Canadian College of Organists winning the Healey Willan prize for the highest marks in Canada. William studied Church Music in the Musikhochschule in Lübeck, returning to Toronto when he was appointed Organist and Director of Music in Deer Park United Church, St. Clair Avenue West. He was responsible for commissioning a large three-manual organ from Casavant Frères which was installed in Deer Park Church in 1970. This became the focus for 38 years of an annual series of concerts in which guest recitalists of international stature preformed. This instrument now resides in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto. In 1971 he was appointed to the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. There he taught ten different subjects for 37 years and wrote two textbooks for the use of his students in courses there. He also continued as official organist for Victoria University, an appointment which lasted 20 years and he taught a History of Church Music course in Emmanuel College for ten years. He composed several hymns and hymn tunes, some of which are in Voices United and Hymns for the City. He had an extensive concert career across Canada, in the USA and also in Europe. In 2003 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the national RCCO and in 2009 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Victoria University for his work in Church Music.

Further tributes and information will be shared when it becomes available.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 11:00am at Metropolitan United Church in Toronto.

Funding the Future: Marketing

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 19:00:36 GMT

In this week's installment, join Chair of Marketing Ben Dobyns for a brief chat about community building through digital tools (click the thumbnail below to check out the video):

New Concert & Events Calendar!

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:35:06 GMT

The new Concert & Events Calendar is officially live at rcco.ca! Spread the word about upcoming concerts and organ-related events in just a few easy steps:

1. Head to the rcco.ca homepage and click on "Concert & Events Calendar"
2. Click "Submit Event" (the green button)
3. Fill out the form, making sure to include all the important details (time, location, website if applicable, etc)
4. Click "Check and Submit"
5. Review the details one last time, then click "Submit Event"
6. Your event will be sent to the National Office for approval before being added to the calendar

Please note:

Be sure to include the closest RCCO Centre(s) to where the event is taking place under "Keywords/Tags". Members will be able to filter the calendar with these tags to see events in their area.

Try to include an image (event poster, photograph of performer or venue, etc) - this will make your event stand out!

We welcome event submissions from both members and non-members.

Funding the Future: Summer Organ Academy

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:18:19 GMT

This week, join Summer Organ Academy Program Coordinator Sarah Svendsen for an update, including the announcement of an exciting new initiative coming in the new year (click the thumbnail below to check out the video):

Funding the Future: Examinations

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:49:16 GMT

In this week's Funding the Future video, Chair of the Board of Examiners Peter Nikiforuk gives a brief overview of examinations at the Royal Canadian College of Organists! Click the thumbnail below to watch:

Raymond Daveluy Prize 2024

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:52:17 GMT

Congratulations to Henry Webb of McGill University, winner of the RCCO Raymond Daveluy Prize for best performance of a Canadian work at the 2024 Canadian International Organ Competition in Montreal!

Henry is a Masters student at McGill University, studying organ with Isabelle Demers and harpsichord with Elizaveta Miller. In 2023, he completed a bachelor’s degree in Organ Performance under David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music, and a diploma of Specialization from Johann Vexo at the Strasbourg Conservatory in 2023. Henry is the recipient of the 2nd prize and the audience prize of the 2023 Ottumwa National Undergraduate Organ Competition.

Funding the Future: National Organ Competition

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:45:05 GMT

Our annual fundraising campaign launched October 1! Funding the Future supports all projects and national initiatives, including training and professional development, support for beginning and emerging artists and composers, outreach through festivals, concerts, and many other exciting events! To learn more, or to make a donation, go to www.rcco.ca/how-you-can-help

For a closer look at some of these upcoming programs, we are going to be sharing clips from the recent Funding the Future kickoff event held on September 28. This week, join Competitions Committee co-chairs Joachim Segger and Marnie Giesbrecht for a brief chat about the National Organ Competition (click the thumbnail below to check out the video):

Convocation Ceremony: Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Zoom link details

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:41:41 GMT

Join us online at 1:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 26 to celebrate the recipients of the 2024 Honorary Awards, Examination Diplomas, Certificates and Scholarships.

To enter the Zoom session, click the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89837219201

Interstellar 10 Concert Tour: Montreal

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 17:22:16 GMT

The Interstellar 10 Concert Tour made its second stop on Tuesday at The Church of St. Andrew & St. Paul in Montreal! Students at the afternoon workshop event were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Interstellar soundtrack, followed by a magnificent evening performance from organist Roger Sayer.

Next up is Toronto on October 19, followed by Calgary (Oct 22) and Vancouver (Oct 25). For tickets, visit rcco.ca/interstellar

Interstellar 10 Concert Tour: Halifax

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:36:24 GMT

The Interstellar 10 Concert Tour began this past weekend, making its first stop in Halifax! Organist Roger Sayer delivered a spectacular performance to a packed audience at The Cathedral Church of All Saints. Our thanks go out to RCCO Halifax Centre and the many volunteers who made this concert such a great success!

The tour continues across Canada through October. For tickets, visit rcco.ca/interstellar

Funding the Future!

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:23:27 GMT

Join us on September 28 at 12:00 pm ET to learn what we are doing to support and promote organists, organ music and organ technicians as we kickstart our annual fundraising campaign, Funding the Future!

Hear from special guests about the importance of our projects and initiatives, including:

Chellan Hoffman - Organ Canada, Fundamentals of Organ Tuning pilot project)

Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger - National Organ Competition

Sarah Svendsen - Summer Organ Academy and Virtual Organ Academy

Ben Dobyns - New Communications Platform

Alison Clark - Scholarships and Bursaries

Peter Nikiforuk - Examinations and Organ Festival Canada

Kevin Norbury - Music Publications and Rachel Laurin Composition Competition

See you there!

ZOOM LINK TO JOIN MEETING:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86317279678

Convocation Ceremony: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:20:05 GMT

Join us online at 1:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 26 to celebrate the recipients of the 2024 Honorary Awards, Examination Diplomas, Certificates and Scholarships. The link will be posted online at rcco.ca no later than October 18.

In Memoriam: David Palmer (1944-2024)

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:42:43 GMT

David Palmer was born on April 7, 1944 and grew up in Victoria, BC where he studied organ with Graham Steed and Richard Proudman as a teenager. A Past-President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (1988-1990), he was awarded the RCCO Fellowship (honoris causa) in 1991 and received the RCCO Distinguished Service Award in 2015. He exemplified the aims and objectives of the organization and upheld its ethical code in all he did. Over his distinguished career, he attained a level of prominence that is truly exceptional, and within the RCCO, has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, passion and commitment. David led - he taught - he motivated, and
he inspired!

David became organist at All Saints’ Anglican Church in July 1968, commuting to Windsor from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was entering the final year of his M.Mus. degree at the University of Michigan, studying with Robert Glasgow who himself was a student of Harold Gleason and Catherine Crozier. After graduation, David moved to Windsor in the summer of 1969 and, shortly thereafter, took it upon himself to revitalize an interest in the organ, build a core of young people in organ studies and promote awareness of quality organ and choral music through public events and recitals.

The group informally structured itself as an RCCO ‘Student Centre’, which stayed together from 1976 to 1980. Other activities involving members of the student centre included: participating annually in organ conferences at the University of Michigan; social ‘get togethers’ and dinners to listen to organ music and discuss organ playing; an organ crawl to London, Ontario; a Children’s Choir workshop; several Christmas Carol Services with choirs from local churches; anthem-reading sessions; panel discussions on such topics as wedding and funeral music and Church Music Today- Entertainment or Worship?; lectures on rehearsal techniques; and a unique organ recital with students on other instruments, namely flute, violin, oboe and trumpet. Participation and attendance in these numerous activities ranged from a handful of interested persons to enthusiastic audiences of well over 300.

David cultivated a very fertile and rich foundation and on February 15, 1980, chaired a grassroots meeting to “discuss the future of the RCCO in Windsor and the possibility of establishing an Adult Centre the following year”. Although the Windsor Centre of the RCCO was only officially recognized in 1982 with David as its first President until 1984, it already hosted an RCCO Convention in 1988. Another one of David’s dreams was to launch a Student Scholarship program. The first auditions were in 1989, and two students were successful in meeting the requirements to be awarded a scholarship for organ studies. Since that time, over 75 beginning organ students received scholarships. David was indeed a mentor to the Centre’s various organ teachers and instructed just over half of all of the students.

Not only did David serve as National President of the RCCO from 1988 to 1990, but from 2005 to 2012 he again was at the helm of the Windsor Centre, and until his passing, its Honorary President. For several years, he was also the Centre’s Membership Convener and maintained an interest in all members’ activities. In 2012-13, he served as Travelling Clinician for the RCCO, giving recitals and workshops in Victoria, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Hamilton and the Grey-Bruce Centre. In June 2014, David was appointed the RCCO’s Regional Director for Western Ontario providing support and council to the London, Grey-Bruce, Chatham, Stratford and Windsor Centres.

It is impossible to separate David’s influence in the history of the RCCO Windsor Centre from his equally significant role in the music and worship community at large and the University of Windsor specifically. Upon his retirement after 40 years on the Faculty of the University’s School of Music (6 years of which he was its Director), five of David’s former students (Ronald Fox, Richard Hansen, Joel Hastings, Robert Jones, and Michael Ricketts) paid the “Professor” the ultimate tribute by performing an Organ Recital in his honour at All Saint’s Anglican Church.

Moreover, David was known nationally and internationally as an outstanding organist, not only performing from coast to coast in Canada, but also giving recitals in such American centres as San Francisco, Washington and New York. In Europe, he played in England, France and Germany, including concerts in the Cathedrals of Chartres and Notre Dame in Paris. CBC Radio broadcast nationally many of his performances, both solos and appearances with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. He was a judge for several organ playing competitions, among them the RCCO Nationals, and the semi-final round of the Second Calgary International Organ Festival.

David developed a specialty in the keyboard music of Olivier Messiaen. In the spring of 1981, he studied with the composer’s wife, Yvonne Loriod, concentrating on excerpts from Messiaen’s Vingt regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus and Catalogue d’Oiseaux. He presented many workshops and lectures and wrote several articles on aspects of Messiaen’s music, including for the journal The Diapason. In October 1990, he gave the first Canadian performance of Livre du Saint Sacrement at St. James’ Cathedral in Toronto, broadcast on CBC-FM, and was invited to perform excerpts of the work at the Fifth International Congress of Organists in Montreal in July 1993. His CD of Méditations sur le mystère de la Sainte Trinité, recorded in the Cathedral-Basilica Mary Queen of the World in Montreal, was released in 1999. In 2006, Canadian Music Centre released his CD, Canadian Organ Showcase, recorded in the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, Alberta. Double Exposure, a CD of music for organ and piano with colleague Gregory Butler, recorded in Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto, appeared in 2008. He retired from All Saint’s Anglican Church in Windsor after 52 years (1968-2020) and was a member of Trio Abelia (French horn, oboe and piano) which performed in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, as well as in Western and Eastern Canada.

David and his wife Lonnie moved back to Victoria, BC in 2021. David happily served in various functions on the executive of the RCCO Victoria Centre until his resignation as Centre President in July 2024. He enjoyed teaching organ privately and, along with Dr. Mark McDonald, worked effortlessly with students of the Victoria Centre Organ Studio and at masterclasses held at Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral. After subbing at various churches around the Capital Re gional District, David assumed the post of organist and choirmaster at St. Michael and All Angels Church, where he remained until his death on August 18, 2024. He is predeceased by his first wife, Betty, a brother and his parents. David is survived by his wife, Alonna (Lonnie) of 35 years, 3 siblings, 6 children, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to the RCCO Victoria Centre would be appreciated.

This tribute was compiled by Susanne Reul-Zastre & Sandra Fletcher (Victoria RCCO Centre), Paul Wharram (Windsor RCCO Centre), and Lonnie Palmer in memory of David.

New Music for Organ: George Rahi & gamut inc

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:13:14 GMT

Coming up on September 13, the Canadian Music Centre is presenting an evening of performances by George Rahi & gamut inc.

"The concert showcases their music with one of Canada's largest pipe organs, the immense Casavant organ of Metropolitan United Church. Here the vibrant acoustics of the organ merge with electronic music techniques, exploring new digital poetics of the organ."

For tickets and more information:

https://cmccanada.org/event/new-music-for-organ-george-rahi-gamut-inc-at-metropolitan-united-church/

Interstellar 10 Organ Concert Tour

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:14:26 GMT

Roger Sayer, the organist who worked with Hans Zimmer to create the soundtrack for the blockbuster film Interstellar, is marking the 10th anniversary of the movie with a worldwide tour, culminating in five concerts across Canada this October! For tickets, visit rcco.ca/interstellar

Fundamentals of Organ Tuning Workshop

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:25:55 GMT

Setup is underway for an exciting new series of workshops on the "Fundamentals of Organ Tuning" coming up July 20/21 and 26/27 in Calgary! This unique pilot project will include a total of 11 participants who will join organ tuner/technician Steve Miller for an introduction to the world of organ tuning, as well as hands-on training.

Summer Organ Academy: Day 6

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 03:21:13 GMT

And that's a wrap! The 2024 Summer Organ Academy comes to a close with a wonderful Student Recital featuring many of our participants of all ages and stages! Thank you to all our participants this year for a great week, and we hope to see some of you return next year!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 5

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 03:40:15 GMT

It's Day 5 of the Academy and students are diligently working on their pieces for the final Student Recital happening tomorrow at 1 pm at Rosedale United Church (159 Roxborough Dr.)! It's free admission, so come out and support our participants! A discussion of Technology and the Organ with Kevin Komisaruk, along with a Masterclass with Aaron James wrapped up the series of events for the week!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 4

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:57:01 GMT

Wow, time passed by so fast, and it's already Day 4 of the Summer Organ Academy. After a full day of lessons and practice, participants gathered together for a Social Event - watching the Fairy Queen at Koerner Hall!

The Academy will soon come to a close with Student Recital on Saturday, July 13 at 1 pm at Rosedale United Church. Come support our Academy participants! Free admission!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 3

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:50:54 GMT

It's Day 3 of the Summer Organ Academy! Rain or shine, nothing will stop our participants from a full day of lessons and fun! Today, Aaron James provided a lecture on the function and the inner workings of the organ and the organ pipe! Our participants also got a chance to play in a masterclass with Kevin Komisaruk. Come hear them perform for our Student Recital this Saturday at 1 pm at Rosedale United Church (159 Roxborough Dr.)! Free admission!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 2

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:51:10 GMT

After a full day of lessons and practice, participants of the Summer Organ Academy had a marvellous evening full of learning - both at Jonathan Oldengarm's lecture about historical keyboards and at the masterclass with Katelyn Emerson. What a great way to end an eventful Day 2!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 1

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:30:03 GMT

Tonight's Faculty All-Star Concert starts the Summer Organ Academy with a bang! What an amazing performance from our Faculty to mark Day 1 of the Academy! Excited for what this week will bring - stay tuned!

Rachel Laurin Composition Competition

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:10:58 GMT

Petition calls for reinstatement of organists at Notre-Dame de Paris

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:18:12 GMT

Following a decision to make changes to the cathedral's team of organists this past April, a letter urging the church leadership to reconsider has been circulated. Read the full text of the petition below:

We, organists, professionals, students, amateurs, beginning and experienced musicians, music lovers, heritage lovers and defenders, the public and believers, protest against the changes to Notre-Dame’s team of organists imposed without consultation on April 24, 2024 by the cathedral’s rector.

Why were new organists needed at Notre-Dame de Paris? After the disastrous fire, the perfectly understandable decision was taken to lay off the Notre-Dame organists for economic reasons, with the exception of the choir organist, whose service was still required, albeit relocated to Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois.

Five years after April 15, 2019, what is the justification for the partial renewal of the current team? Why was Johann Vexo (substitute choir organist for the past 20 years at the time of the fire) sidelined? Why wasn’t Philippe Lefebvre offered the chance to remain at his position for at least a few months, to participate alongside his colleagues in the cathedral’s reopening ceremonies?

The way in which new organists have been recruited continues to raise questions. Indeed, since 1984 - the date of Cardinal Lustiger's Ordonnance, which proposed special arrangements for "certain organs of specially consecrated renown" - competition has been the sole means of recruiting cathedral organists. Why such a choice?

Of course, the role of any church organist is to serve the liturgy. And as such, it's up to the rector of the cathedral to preside over the choice of appointments. But Notre-Dame, whose international renown is undeniable, is also a most important symbol of organs and music in general, both in France and throughout the world. In view of its immense reputation, it is our duty to make it shine with the talent of highly qualified artists. Notre-Dame de Paris has always been home to exceptional musicians who have brought - and continue to bring - honor to the profession: personalities who have previously proved themselves not only through their vast experience as servants of the liturgy, but also through their academic careers, their success in international competitions, and their international careers.

Of course, exceptional careers call for exceptional arrangements: the appointment of Thierry Escaich, renowned composer, improviser, international concert performer, winner of five Victoires de la musique awards, professor of composition and improvisation at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, cannot be contested.

On the other hand, the recruitment without competition and for an indefinite period of time of a young 21-year-old organist, just a student, in the course of his studies and without any diploma, to the choir organ but also to the great organ, on the sole faith of a “promising talent”, seems incomprehensible. It is an arbitrary choice that can’t be explained on artistic grounds, and sends out the wrong signal to young professional organists who have taken or are taking the trouble to train extensively in both musical repertoire and liturgical accompaniment, demonstrating, in the final analysis, a very high level of church musicianship. How can we explain to them that the high level of skills acquired through their work might not be taken into account in the criteria leading to an appointment?

That is why we’re calling for the return of the organists on duty at the time of the fire on April 15, 2019, with the addition - since the rector is calling for a “reinforced” team - of the talented Thierry Escaich. In addition, nothing prevents Philippe Lefebvre’s retirement from being deferred, with respect and dignity, for a few months. As for youth, it is obviously welcome and expected, but any appointment must be subject to the practices that have governed the appointment of organists up until now, and which underpin the legitimacy of the fortunate ones selected in the eyes of the profession, and, more broadly, of believers, of the musical public and lovers of musical and ecclesiastical heritage.

Sign the petition at:

https://www.change.org/p/notre-dame-de-paris-à-nouveau-en-feu-contre-la-nomination-des-futurs-organistes

John Goss Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Alexander Straus-Fausto

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:14:30 GMT

We are delighted to announce that Alexander Straus-Fausto has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 John Goss Memorial Scholarship!

Alexander Richard Straus-Fausto is a Canadian organist who has a broad repertoire of music, dating from early fifteenth-century keyboard music to contemporary organ music. Audiences enjoy his exhilarating, clean, colourful, virtuosic, sensitive, and innovative organ performances. He has further expanded the organ’s reach by creating more than 50 original transcriptions of major orchestral works, reflecting his passion for the symphonic organ as a virtually unlimited medium for artistic expression.

He is a member of The Diapason’s “20 under 30 Class of 2023,” which recognizes young artists under the age of 30 who have made significant contributions to the fields of organ performance, harpsichord, organ building, carillon, and church music. In October, Alexander will be a competitor in the Toulouse International Organ Competition, symphonic category. It will be his second international competition, after Longwood Gardens in 2023. He has performed at Trinity Church in Boston; Grace Cathedral in San Francisco; Woolsey Hall at Yale University; Washington National Cathedral; Basilica National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington; Maison Symphonique in Montreal; Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts; Trinity Wall Street in New York City; and many other series, including the Organix Concert Series in Toronto. He is also looking forward to upcoming concerts at La Madeleine in Paris, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

He will be working on an Artist’s Diploma in the fall with David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music. Alexander graduated with a Master’s degree in organ performance from both the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and the Yale School of Music. He completed his Bachelor of Music at McGill University Schulich School of Music and his secondary school studies at Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy. He is represented by Seven Eight Artists.

Alexander is very grateful to the RCCO for their continued support.

All-Star Organ Concert - Monday, July 8, 2024 - Tickets available now

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:20:15 GMT

Annual General Meeting

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:40:32 GMT

Texte français suit

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

All members are cordially invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
Location: Meeting to be held by teleconference via Zoom

Meeting materials and Zoom link will be available on the Members’ Discussion Forum page of the RCCO website at www.rcco.ca no later than June 15, 2024.

We look forward to seeing you there.

ANNONCE DE L'ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE ANNUELLE

Tous les membres sont invités à l'Assemblée générale du Collège royal canadien des organistes / Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Date : le samedi 06 juillet 2024
Heure : 13h30 à 14h30 EDT
Lieu : la réunion se tiendra par téléconférence via Zoom

Les documents de la réunion et le lien Zoom seront disponibles sur la page du Forum de discussion des membres du site Web de la CRCO à www.rcco.ca le 15 juin 2024.

Au plaisir de vous voir.

For the Music of Creation: Memorial Concert for Mark Toews

Wed, 08 May 2024 16:48:08 GMT

On Friday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Park Community Church will host a special evening in honour of Mark Toews, who served as Director of Music for 30 years. Mark passed away from cancer on May 22, 2021. This evening is a tribute to his legacy.

For reservations:

If you reserved for the November concert, and plan on attending, you do not need to do anything. If you had reserved and are unable to attend, or if you are requesting reservations for the first time, please contact Judi at judi@lawrenceparkchurch.ca.

How to access the event:

This concert is available in person at Lawrence Park Community Church, located at 2180 Bayview Avenue. There is a Green P parking lot across from the church.

Online access is also available. The Zoom link can be found at this page:

https://www.lawrenceparkchurch.ca/events/mark-toews-a-life-in-music/2024-05-10?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3UfJOxadaGlkITctVCEBJIikHCYGcFK2L9DZ1J1zlDPHIU5Mg3ebkYcsQ_aem_AYZGoDEzFozg9rOM3Pu-tmiC0DNXmTcil1co1EoVpItuyJNwYYZNhM_QMJdlFliPnrLsWJ5PZcMM-xVLgaAClmCH

Bridgetown Baptist Church

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:07:03 GMT

We are saddened to share news of a devastating fire at the historic Bridgetown Baptist Church in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, a centrepiece of the community, as well as our RCCO Annapolis Valley Centre.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/bridgetown-baptist-church-fire-1.7185869

Summer Organ Academy Registration Deadline

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:32:39 GMT

Notice of Nominations

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:23:42 GMT

We are pleased to announce the list of nominees standing for election to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and Regional Council.

Additional nominations for these positions may be made by the membership on or before May 1, 2024. Nomination submissions must be received by the National Office on or before May 1, 2024 and consist of 1) the consent in writing of the nominee, and 2) the signatures of five other members in support of the nomination.

Where only one person is nominated for a position, those nominated will be elected by acclamation. Where more than one person is nominated for the available position(s) an election will be conducted. (In the event more than one person is nominated for a Regional Councillor position, only members of Centres in that region are eligible to vote.) If required, the election will be conducted online and managed by a third-party voting service provider to maintain confidentiality. A notice with candidate information and full voting instructions will be sent in mid-May. Members without an email address will receive an election package in the mail. Voting will close June 15, 2024. (Members who have email but would prefer to vote by mail-in ballot must notify the national office prior to May 1, 2024.)

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Shannon
Executive Director

Woman Composer Sunday

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:14:30 GMT

Woman Composer Sunday was launched by the Royal College of Organists (UK) and the Society of Women Organists as an annual celebration to coincide with International Women's Day. This year, it falls on Sunday, March 10. In preparation for this event, we are sharing some resources to help you get started exploring women composers in Canada, including episodes of Organist Launchpad from Janet Yieh and Maria Gajraj, organ and choral selections available for purchase at the RCCO online store, and other useful links.

Other resources for Woman Composer Sunday: The American Guild of Organists - Task Force for Gender Equity The Society of Women Organists Amplify Female Composers A Great Host of Composers

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:31:46 GMT

Professor of Organ at the University of Toronto, Kevin Komisaruk, presents 'An Instrument of Change: Inhabiting our Future with the Virtual Organ.' During this enlightening presentation and workshop, Komisaruk provides an introduction to virtual-organ technology (Part 1) and discusses how to leverage technology for creative expression (Part 2) and the virtual-organ technology’s ability to help us become stronger artists (Part 3).

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:32:02 GMT

In this week's episode of Organist Launchpad, organist and TikToker Wesley Hall offers advice for finding your identity as an organist in the digital realm, including an introduction to the organ in the digital realm (Part 1) building a brand (Part 2), an overview of platforms (Part 3), and some dos and don'ts (Part 4) for social-media content creation.

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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Spotlight on Halifax Centre

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:08:43 GMT

Each month, we are featuring RCCO Centres from across the country, to celebrate the work they are doing and to glimpse what makes each one unique. In the latest installment, Halifax Centre Vice-President Dr. Kim Tan-MacNeill offers some recent highlights of concerts and other Centre activities.

Click here to check out the video!

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:24:01 GMT

This week, organist Sarah Svendsen discusses integrating organist occupational health and safety into organ playing and study. Dr. Svendsen's presentation includes an introduction to the concept of playing pain in organ playing (Part 1), cultural influences in organ playing pain risks (Part 2), and physical factors in organ playing pain risks (Part 3).

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:33:02 GMT

Join us this week as composer, organist, and multidisciplinary artist Kim Farris-Manning discusses ideas for incorporating visuals and storytelling with the organ, including Working in Versions (Part 1), Creating with a Media Feedback Loop (Part 2), How to Create Imagery with Organ Music and No Visuals (Part 3), and Creative Prompts and Guidelines (Part 4).

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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Meet CRCCO Graduate Kento Stratford

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:45:36 GMT

I remember first becoming interested in the organ after having heard Stanford’s Morning, Communion, and Evening Service in C at St. George’s Cathedral in Kingston, ON,; I’d quite literally never heard anything like it and I was floored. I was doing my undergraduate at Queen’s University at the time in piano and composition, and I decided to apply for the introductory organ scholarship with the local RCCO Centre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to continue studying after the scholarship had ended, but I soon found myself having to prioritize preparing piano recitals and composition commissions. So, unfortunately, organ fell by the wayside.

A few years later, after having finished my master’s in composition at the University of Toronto, I found myself looking for work in the city. I’d been playing the piano in churches since starting music in my teens, and given my (albeit very limited) experience on the organ, it made sense to me that I apply to church music positions in the area. I ended up landing at Graceview Presbyterian Church, Etobicoke, where I still serve as music director today. Shortly after starting the job though, it hit me that I should really know how to play this instrument properly if I wanted to succeed as a church musician. Dr. Pat Wright (whose choir I had spent some time in a year or two earlier) recommended that I reach out to Aaron James about lessons. All I can say is he has been an outstanding friend and teacher, and I’m happy to have been working with him ever since. I continue to have amazing experiences with the organ, including my first concert as a guest organist this past fall, and certainly not least of which was the incredible festival I was able to attend last summer.

More than anything, I think the organ (and church music, more generally) interests me because it offers a medium for music-making that’s very different from other activities I engage in as an artist. I value the fact that the music I make on Sunday morning is not commodified in the same sense as my other work, even if I do earn a wage from it in the end. At the same time, the reason why I make music in this setting is crystal-clear. Despite the fact that I don’t believe the same things as most church-goers, for me and for many other RCCO members, I know that purpose is to create an environment which makes it easier for these community members to worship, reflect, pray, and maybe occasionally doze off. As I was sitting in the basement during the pandemic, sketching, composing, wondering who was ever going to hear the music I was writing, the organ gave me a sense of personal and artistic grounding that I desperately needed. Without that experience, I don’t think I would be a musician today.

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:56:04 GMT

In this week's episode, Mária Budáčová gives a 3-part masterclass with organist Maria Gajraj on selections from Charles Tournemire's suite for the Office of the Assumption from L'Orgue mystique. The class offers insight into liturgical improvisation by highlighting elements of Tournemire's music that serve as liturgical commentary.

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:04:04 GMT

In this week's episode, composer, producer, recording engineer, and entertainment lawyer Jeff Young shares his expertise with an introduction to music law, offering valuable insights for organists, composers, and other musicians.

Please note that this video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you have a specific situation that needs to be addressed, please contact an entertainment lawyer with specific knowledge of music law.

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:08:58 GMT

This week, join classical pianist, content creator, and arts administrator Boran Zaza, who discusses affordable technologies and easy methods to record, edit, and stream organ music. The presentation includes an overview of affordable equipment and software options (Part 1), a tutorial on 'How to Film Awesome Shots' (Part 2), a crash course in audio and video editing (Part 3), and a tutorial on livestreaming on various platforms (Part 4). Featuring guest organist David Simon.

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
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Applications open for the 2024 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:34:51 GMT

The Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship, 2024

Application forms for candidates for the 2024 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship must be postmarked by April 30, 2024. This annual scholarship of $6,000 is offered by the Ottawa Centre, RCCO, and is intended for a Canadian graduate student in organ, studying either inside or outside Canada, who intends to use his/her skills as an organ teacher in the future. The past winners are

2005 - Craig Humber
2006 - Isabelle Demers
2007 - Michael Unger
2008 - Ryan Jackson
2009 - Matthieu Latreille
2010 - Shawn Potter
2011 - Wendy Nieuwenhuis
2012 - Stephen Boda
2013 - Sarah Svendsen
2014 - Julie Pinsonneault
2015 - Rachel Mahon
2016 - Shane Murphy
2017 - no award
2018 - David Simon and Nicholas Walters
2019 - Stefani Bedin
2020 - Samuel Lee and Manuel Piazza
2021 - Martin Jones
2022 - Maria Gajraj
2023 - Alexander Straus-Fausto

Information and application forms are available at www.rcco-ottawa.ca, and further information may be obtained from Frances Macdonnell at fbmacdonnell@sympatico.ca or at 613-726-7984.

New Season of Organist Launchpad!

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:41:21 GMT

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is excited to announce the premiere of Season Three of Organist Launchpad!

In a new two-part episode, acclaimed choral conductor and founder of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Dr. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, presents a choral masterclass on Moses Hogan's arrangement of the African-American Spiritual 'Music Down In My Soul,' and Andre J. Thomas' arrangement of 'Walk Together Children.' Featuring Rashaan Allwood at the organ.

Meet Edmonton Centre

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:36:32 GMT

This year we will be sharing a monthly feature that showcases RCCO Centres from across the country - to celebrate the work they are doing and to glimpse what makes each one unique. In this video, Edmonton Centre President Joachim Segger offers a brief look at their scholarship program, including a performance from one of the recent winners! To check out the video, follow this link or click the image above.

Meet FRCCO Graduate A Young Kim

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:33:26 GMT

I began playing the organ when I was a composition major in college, hoping to improve my orchestration skills. However, I soon fell in love with the instrument and its beauty and versatility. I admire the organ for its rich and diverse sounds. Each organ has its own acoustics and character, and I can create different voices by choosing different sounds, even on the same organ. I also like to explore early music and the organ offers me more opportunities than the piano. Playing Bach on the organ is a completely different experience than playing it on the piano. It feels like I have finally found the right instrument for me. I was fortunate to learn from and work with inspiring teachers. I am grateful for the opportunity to study with Dr. Larry Palmer at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) and to work with Dr. Gregg Redner at Metropolitan United Church (London, ON).

Besides being an organist, I also enjoy composing and orchestrating music. I have had the pleasure of working with various groups, such as Metropolitan Choir School, NISE (Neo Impressive Soloists Ensembles), Seoul Arts Center, Hwaum Chamber Orchestra, Seoul Metropolitan Opera and Gangnam Symphony Orchestra. Some of my works were featured at the June in Buffalo Festival (Buffalo, NY) and Daegu International Contemporary Music Festival of Young Musician’s Society. I also had the honour of having my solo organ piece "Reflections on Arirang" published by ECS Publishing. From 2019 to 2022, I served as a Shipman organ scholar at Metropolitan United Church in London, ON. Although my official term has ended, I am still involved with Metropolitan United as a choir member and organist. I am currently studying choral conducting and looking forward to future opportunities, including playing the postlude at the RCCO Carol Service in London and a recital next spring at Metropolitan United Church.

Check out my YouTube channel here: @ayoungkimorgan

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:33:05 GMT

Internationally renowned performers the Scott Brothers Duo present a five-part series on building your online and offline career in today's episode of Organist Launchpad! Improve your branding, video recording, marketing, publicity, social media and more with this deep dive into finding your audience.

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

Watch at RCCO.CA

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Watch via Facebook

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New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:04:16 GMT

This week, organist Isabelle Demers offers an in-depth workshop on creating and performing orchestral transcriptions at the organ.

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

Watch at RCCO.CA

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Watch via Facebook

Watch via YouTube

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:33:25 GMT

Join performance psychologist Noa Kageyama as he discusses strategies for managing performance anxiety, including having a more positive experience on the stage (Part 1), managing somatic anxiety (Part 2), managing cognitive anxiety (Part 3), practising for performance pressure (Part 4), and managing attention control (Part 5).

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

Watch at RCCO.CA

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Watch via Facebook

Watch via YouTube

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:24:28 GMT

This week join organist David Simon for an in-depth look at the world of organ competitions in this four-part guide to preparing, performing, networking, and job-seeking. As always, Organist Launchpad is made available as a free resource for organists worldwide, thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada.

Watch at RCCO.CA

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Watch via Facebook

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RCCO Welcomes New Chairs of Historic Organs and Scholarships & Bursaries

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:37:08 GMT

We are very pleased to welcome both Ian M. Clark as our new Chair of Historic Organs, as well as Alison Clark as Chair of Scholarships and Bursaries. We look forward to working with them as we plan for an exciting year ahead!

John Tuttle named Organist and Choirmaster Emeritus of St. Thomas's Anglican Church

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:22:27 GMT

At a service of Evensong at St Thomas’s Church, Toronto, on October 1, John Tuttle was named Organist and Choirmaster Emeritus in recognition of his outstanding musical contribution to the parish for over a quarter of a century from 1989 to 2016. At the same service Elizabeth Anderson as Organist and Choirmaster and Manuel Piazza as Assistant Organist and Choirmaster were commissioned to their respective positions.

New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:29:29 GMT

Our three-part miniseries on organ accompaniment in the Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant traditions concludes today with Jonathan Oldengarm’s presentation on Hymn Playing in the Protestant Tradition. Learn approaches to registration, reharmonization, and clear accompaniment as he addresses the history of the form, Reformation hymnody, 19th century hymn tunes, gospel revival, and contemporary music on the organ. The 13th episode of Organist Launchpad, this marks the halfway point in our production. Season Two continues next week!

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

Watch at RCCO.CA

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Watch via Facebook

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New Episode of Organist Launchpad!

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:54:01 GMT

Join Mark McDonald for a five-part workshop on the fundamentals of Anglican service playing in this week's new episode of Organist Launchpad, now streaming worldwide!

Mark covers an overview of Anglican musical traditions (part 1), organ registration for Anglican service accompaniment (part 2), hymn accompaniment (part 3), anthem accompaniment (part 4), and Anglican chant accompaniment (part 5).

Organist Launchpad is funded thanks to a grant from Heritage Canada, and is produced by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in association with the Canadian International Organ Competition.

Watch at RCCO.CA

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Watch via Facebook

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Barrie Cabena's 90th Birthday Concert

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:12:08 GMT

Save the Date! - October 1, 2023 @ 3pm

A musical celebration in honour of RCCO Honorary Vice-President and Dublin St, United Church (Guelph) Organist Emeritus Barrie Cabena's 90th birthday, featuring the Dublin Chancel Choir, Dublin Handbell Choir, Irene Gregorio, Daniel Cabena, Sheri Cabena, Neil McLaren, and guest organists from the Royal Canadian College of Organists-Waterloo-Wellington Centre: David Hall, Angus Sinclair, James Brown, Bradley Moggach and Jeff Enns. Freewill offering in support of Dublin St. United Church; reception to follow.

New Season of Organist Launchpad!

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:51:40 GMT

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is excited to announce the premiere of Season Two of Organist Launchpad!

In a new three-part episode, composer and organist Rashaan Allwood explores jazz improvisation and contemporary classical improvisation, followed by a masterclass in pop music arranging with Cadence Brassard.

Then, join organist John Paul Farahat for a four-part class on organ accompaniment in the Catholic tradition, including the role of an organist in a Catholic setting, Gregorian chant and hymn playing, cantor accompaniment, and prelude and postlude planning.

Produced in partnership with the Canadian International Organ Competition and funded by Canadian Heritage, Organist Launchpad presents instructional videos and masterclasses for organists of every skill level and is now streaming worldwide!

We hope you’ll check out this exciting new resource on our webpage or on YouTube, then help us spread the word. This second season features nine incredible presenters from Canada and abroad. As always, Organist Launchpad is free to watch, worldwide.

Watch at RCCO.CA
Watch via Facebook
Watch via YouTube

And if you want to help boost the signal, click through to your social media platform of choice, give us a like and share, and then access the video from there!

Service for Catherine Palmer

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:03:07 GMT

A service honouring the life of Catherine Palmer will be held tomorrow, Thursday, September 28th at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Ascension (33 Overland Drive, Toronto, ON). The service will also be livestreamed at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/@ascensiondonmills/streams

Her obituary as it appeared in the Toronto Star can be accessed here:

https://obituaries.thestar.com/obituary/catherine-palmer-1088824314

In Memoriam - Catherine Palmer

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:21:33 GMT

We are saddened to announce the passing of Catherine Palmer, longtime Director of Music at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto. After moving from the United States, she became the first woman in Canada to obtain the Fellowship Diploma of the Royal College of Organists, eventually going on to serve as Chair of the Examination Committee for RCCO. Her many other accomplishments included appointment to the faculty of the Royal Conservatory of Music, regular performances on the CBC, and the founding of both the Holy Trinity Singers and Palmer Singers. A funeral service will be held at Church of the Ascension in Toronto.

In Memory of Rachel Laurin

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:44:27 GMT

Dear Friends,

We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of beloved Canadian composer, organist and educator, Rachel Laurin on August 13, 2023.

Rachel’s passing is deeply felt by her many devoted friends and colleagues across the country and is a great loss to the Canadian musical community

Rachel’s obituary and details about how she will be remembered will be shared as they become available.

In the meantime, we invite you to watch Rachel performing the beautiful and moving Méditation from her Suite Brève, Op. 6. No. 1:

National Organ Competition Final Results!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 14:04:50 GMT

National Organ Competition Results

We are excited to announce the following results of the 2023 National Organ Competition:

1^st place (Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Fund $5,000)

Martin Jones

Martin Jones is in his second year of study with Professor Martin Schmeding for a Master’s degree in organ performance at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" in Leipzig, Germany. In 2021 he was the winner of the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize and the Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship. Martin also won the 2018 AGO Southwest Regional Competition for Young Organists, and he won third prize and the audience and hymn prizes in the High School Division of the 2016 Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition. He has played in masterclasses with many notable performers including Alan Morrison, Nathan Laube, Paul Jacobs,Daniel Roth, David Higgs, Pieter Dirksen, and Jürgen Essl. Martin holds a Bachelor of Organ from Rice University in Houston, Texas where he studied with Ken Cowan. He is graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, where he studied with Thomas Bara, and a former American Boychoir chorister.

2^nd place (Helen Murray and Family Prize $2,500)

Joshua Ehlebracht

Joshua Ehlebracht is 23 years old and pursuing a master’s degree in organ from the Yale School of Music in the studio of Prof. Martin Jean. Joshua has always had a passion for music and his previous studies include a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the Eastman School of music studying with Professors Nathan Laube and Anne Laver, as well as a Colleague diploma from the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Joshua is currently serving as interim organist at St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk, Connecticut, and has previously worked in Lutheran and Presbyterian churches with his first church position at the age of 15. Joshua is from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and began his musical journey at the age of six with piano lessons, followed by organ lessons with Dr. Peter Nikiforuk at the age of 10. Joshua holds second place prizes from the Albert Schweitzer organ festival in 2017 and the RCCO run Fairclough competition in 2016. He also spent time performing solo recitals around Ontario in London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Brantford, and Toronto at St. Paul’s Bloor Street and Metropolitan United Church, as well as several performances around Rochester, NY, and New Haven, CT, including performances at Woolsey Hall, Dwight Chapel, and the United Church on the Green.

3^rd place (Muriel Gidley Stafford Prize $1,000)

Alexander Straus-Fausto

Working on his master’s degree in organ performance at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Alexander Straus-Fausto from Kitchener, Ontario is thrilled to be studying under the direction of Dr. Martin Jean and playing on Yale’s Newberry Memorial Organ. He completed his Bachelor of Music at McGill University Schulich School of Music and his secondary school studies at Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy. While still a teenager, Straus-Fausto undertook a Canada Council-funded summer 2019 concert tour of the UK, playing in historic churches and cathedrals. In fall 2019, he was appointed Titular Organist at Église du Très-Saint-Nom-de-Jésus in Montréal, whose four-manual, 120-rank Casavant organ is acclaimed as one of Canada’s finest. Straus-Fausto was named a member of The Diapason’s “20 under 30” class of 2023,” which recognizes young artists under the age of 30 who have made significant contributions to the field of organ performance. Straus-Fausto was also named a competitor in the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition 2023.

Left to right: Joshua Ehlebrecht, Alexander Straus-Fausto, Martin Jones; Elaine Graham (Godfrey Hewitt Foundation); judges Chelsea Chen, Christa Rakich, Kola Owolabi, Aaron James, Aaron Tan. Back row: Joachim Segger, Marnie Giesbrecht, Competition Chairs. (National Organ Competition Committee members Adrian Foster and David Simon absent from photo)

Congratulations to all competitors in the 2023 National Organ Competition. The level of playing in all rounds was remarkably high, showcasing a vibrant future for organ music!

National Organ Competition Finals TOMORROW!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:31:50 GMT

Congratulations to all of the National Organ Competition Semi-Finalists! The performances on Saturday were truly inspiring.

A special congratulations to the three finalists:

Alexander Straus-Fausto

Martin Jones

Joshua Ehlebracht

Hear all three compete in the Finals at Lawrence Park Community Church on Wednesday July 5 beginning at 2:00pm.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of BMRBPIPEORG INC., The Berriman Bailey Foundation, and our many loyal donors, who have made this competition possible.

Summer Organ Academy: Day 6

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 21:31:37 GMT

Day 6 - Today was the last day of the Summer Organ Academy 2023. The Student Recital offered an opportunity to see the growth and development of the students after only a week at the Academy! A reception followed where the students had a chance to reminisce about the week and have their final goodbyes. Thank you to all the students, faculty and instructors for making this year's Academy such a success!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 5

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 03:03:41 GMT

Day 5 - It's the final countdown! Today's the last full day of activities at the Summer Organ Academy. We have a lecture by John Paul Farahat and a masterclass with Aaron Tan. Students also go about their last day of private and improvisation lessons. Come to our Student Recital, tomorrow, July 1, at Rosedale United Church at 1:00 pm to watch some of our talented students perform!

National Organ Competition Semi-Finals TOMORROW!

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 16:15:23 GMT

The Semi-finals are TOMORROW - Saturday July 1st at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto from 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is free (donations to the RCCO accepted at the door). Don't miss this opportunity to hear five phenomenal young emerging performing artists!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 4

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 02:39:42 GMT

Day 4 - Whew, it's been a full day at the Summer Organ Academy, beginning with a Lecture from Jonathan Oldengarm about the secret code of registering early 20th-century Casavants, and ending with a Masterclass with Isabelle!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 3

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 03:58:00 GMT

Day 3 - That's a wrap of day 3! Some participants got to play in masterclass with Chelsea Chen today. We got some diverse repertoire featuring many different styles. It's not too late to register to audit for the remaining Lectures and Masterclasses at https://rcco.ca/event-5193392! We hope to see you there!

Summer Organ Academy: Day 2

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 04:32:37 GMT

Day 2 - After a full day of lessons and an amazing Lecture by Aaron James, participants got to enjoy themselves in a at the Jazz Bistro, having food, chatting, and watching our own Faculty's Jeff McLeod do a superb job in performance with his ensemble - The Donnybrook Trio!

National Organ Competition Semi-Finals: THIS SATURDAY!

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:39:00 GMT

Celebrate the brilliance and musicianship of five outstanding Canadian organists who will pull out all the stops on Saturday, July 1^st at Rosedale Presbyterian church. Competing for three coveted positions in the finals of the Royal Canadian College of Organists National Organ Competition, the young emerging performing artists hail from Vancouver to Leipzig, and were selected by a panel of experts. Hear, see and experience organ music at its best performed on the Karl Wilhelm tracker-action pipe organ. Don’t miss this prequel to the Toronto Organ Festival as these five competitors dazzle five international judges in front of a live audience. Rosedale Presbyterian Church sponsors the semi-finals in honour of the late Mary Legge, their esteemed longstanding organist. Performances 10:00 am to noon; and 1:30 to 3:00 pm. The lucky three finalists compete in the finals on July 5^th at Lawrence Park Community Church from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, a luminous and poignant highlight of the Toronto Organ Festival. Generously sponsored by Lawrence Park Community Church in tribute to the late Mark Toews, their revered, well-loved organist and music director, all three performances comprise the premiere of a work by Toronto-based rising star Rashaan Allwood. Allwood’s “Miniatures for Mark” was commissioned specially for the competition by David and June Weind. Mark Toews was a distinguished and cherished member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, a former national president who took particular interest in the development of RCCO competitions. A reception following the final competition performances is sponsored by the RCCO Toronto Centre.

Admission is free to both competition events, thanks to the generous sponsorship of both churches.

Summer Organ Academy: Day 1

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:46:06 GMT

Day 1 - The Summer Organ Academy has just begun! Participants got a chance to have an orientation and group dinner with the Faculty. Then, the students immersed themselves in beautiful music performed by our very own Faculty - a very exciting start indeed!

Today's the All-Star Concert

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:40:48 GMT

Today's the day of the Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert! It's at Rosedale United Church (159 Roxborough Dr, Toronto) at 7:00 pm. Freewill offering and donations gratefully accepted. Don't miss out on a wonderful and diverse program! Come enjoy exceptional performances by Chelsea Chen, Isabelle Demers, Aaron Tan, Aaron James, Jonathan Oldengarm, John Paul Farahat, David Simon, and Sarah Svendsen. There may even be a little surprise at the end!

Earl Clark Retires on June 25 after 63 years as Organist and Music Director

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:37:58 GMT

Earl Clark has been the organist and musical director at Stratford's St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for the last 63 years. On Sunday June 25, he will retire. Watch the CBC news report at here . Earl will be presented with the RCCO Distinguished Service Award at the College Convocation on July 5, 2023.

Summer Academy All-Star Concert

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 13:47:39 GMT

The Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert is just a weekend away! It's on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 7:00 pm at Rosedale United Church, Toronto. Come watch our faculty perform pieces from a variety of genres (and there may be little surprise at the end)!

National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Spotlight 5

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:55:19 GMT

In our final Spotlight we are featuring National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Isaac Howie

Vancouverite Isaac Howie has always loved making music. A student of piano and composition since early childhood, his musical career has included founding a jazz trio; composing and performing for concert bands; publishing electronic music; and winning awards for solo piano. He entered the University of British Columbia at 15, where he currently studies organ under the mentorship of Professor Michael Dirk. Alongside his pursuit of a BMus, Isaac is Organist at Holy Family Parish in Vancouver; he holds an ARCT in piano and studies harpsichord with Alex Weimann. In 2021, Isaac was division winner of the Vancouver Chamber Choir's Young Composers' Competition. In his spare time, Isaac enjoys building computers and translating Ancient Greek texts.

The Semi-finals will be held on Saturday July 1st at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto from 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is free (donations to the RCCO accepted at the door).

Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert Spotlight and More!

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:54:33 GMT

The Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert is less than a week away on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm at Rosedale United Church in Toronto! Today’s spotlight falls on Aaron James, Jonathan Oldengarm, and John Paul Farahat.

On top of performing in this concert, they will each be giving an hour-long lecture on topics ranging from an introduction to the Wolff Organ to French Symphonic Organs to the secret code of registering early 20th-century Casavants! Register to audit Summer Organ Academy Masterclasses and Lectures at https://rcco.ca/event-5193392

Masterclass with Aaron Tan

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:32:52 GMT

Just one more week until the Summer Organ Academy begins! It's not too late to sign up for Masterclasses and Lectures. One of these masterclasses takes place at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto with Aaron Tan on June 30, 2023 at 7 pm. Register to audit Summer Organ Academy Masterclasses and Lectures at https://rcco.ca/event-5193392 .

Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert SPOTLIGHT: David Simon and Sarah Svendsen

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:54:29 GMT

Just a reminder that the Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert is on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm at Rosedale United Church in Toronto. Today’s spotlight falls on David Simon and Sarah Svendsen!

Check out some of their performances here!

David Simon:

TCHAIKOVSKY - 5th Symphony, Mvt. 1 transcribed by David Simon

Sarah Svendsen:

Rachel Laurin’s Introduction & Passacaglia on a Theme by Raymond Daveluy

National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Spotlight 4

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:00:12 GMT

This week we are featuring National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Owen Spicer

Owen Spicer is an organist and accompanist based in Montreal, Quebec. An Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and Conservatory Canada (Organ and Piano), Owen has won numerous awards and scholarships, including the D.F Cook medal, the Paul Westermeyer Hymn playing Award and The Donald and Helen Mackey memorial award. Owen has held positions as Organist at Montreal West United Church and Organ Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral Montreal, First St. Andrew's United Church London (On), and St. Martin's in the Fields London (On).

As a recitalist, he has performed at numerous venues in Quebec and Ontario, including Redpath Hall Montreal, St. Andrew's Church Ottawa and St James Cathedral Toronto. Owen accompanies ensembles in Ottawa and Montreal, such as the Caelis Ensemble, directed by Matthew Larkin and the Christ Church Cathedral choir, directed by Nicholas Capozzoli.

In April, Owen will graduate from McGill University with a bachelor's in organ performance, where he studied with Hans-Ola Ericsson and Jonathan Oldengarm. He is currently in the studio of Isabelle Demers. In addition to the organ, he studied choral conducting with Jean Sébastien Valée and obtained a minor in music theory.

The Semi-finals will be held on Saturday July 1st at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto from 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is free (donations to the RCCO accepted at the door).

Summer Organ Academy 2023: Masterclass with Isabelle Demers

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:21:38 GMT

Unable to attend the full Summer Organ Academy program? All Masterclasses and Lectures are still available for auditing!

FutureStops - Reimagining the 21st Century Organ Experience

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:57:56 GMT

Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert SPOTLIGHT: Main Faculty

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:24:50 GMT

Today’s spotlight falls on Chelsea Chen, Isabelle Demers and Aaron Tan.

View their photos and bios below!

Summer Organ Academy All-Star Concert

Rosedale United Church

Monday, June 26, 2023; 7 pm

Freewill offering, donations gratefully accepted

American organist and composer Chelsea Chen is internationally renowned for her concerts of “rare musicality” and “lovely lyrical grandeur,” and a compositional style that is “charming” and “irresistible” (Los Angeles Times). Originally from San Diego, California, she studied the organ at The Juilliard School with Paul Jacobs and John Weaver and at Yale University with Thomas Murray. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan where she collected folk songs and composed new music for the organ. Now based in Zürich, Switzerland, she is a concert organist with frequent performances in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Recent highlights include performing with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony, as well as solo concerts at Los Angeles's Disney Hall and Dallas's Meyerson Hall. She collaborates often with New York cellist Joesph Lee and frequently premieres music by composers including Yui Kitamura and Julian Revie. For more information about Chelsea's compositions and concert dates visit her website at www.chelseachen.com.

With playing described as having “bracing virtuosity” (Chicago Classical Review) and being “fearless and extraordinary” (Amarillo-Globe News), Isabelle Demers has enraptured critics, presenters, and audience members around the globe.

She has appeared in recital throughout Europe, Oman, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, including at the Cathedrals of Cologne and Regensburg (Germany); the ElbPhilharmonie(Hamburg); the Royal Festival Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey (London); City Hall (Stockholm); the Royal Opera House of Muscat (Oman); the Forbidden City Concert Hall (Beijing, China); Victoria Hall (Singapore); Melbourne Town Hall (Australia); Auckland Town Hall (New Zealand); Disney Hall (Los Angeles), Davies Hall (San Francisco), the Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas), the Kimmel Center, and the Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s (Philadelphia); and the Maison Symphonique(Montréal).

Dr. Demers is in continual high demand by her colleagues as witnessed by performances for numerous regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Institute of Organ Builders and International Society of Organbuilders, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and the Organ Historical Society. She has released multiple CD recordings on the Acis and Pro Organo labels. Her latest CD, recorded at Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel, was released in January 2020, and includes works of Reger, Laurin, Dupré, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Macmillan.

A native of Québec and a doctoral graduate of the Juilliard School, Dr. Demers is Associate Professor of Organ at McGill University (Montréal, Québec). She was formerly the Joyce Bowden Chair in Organ and Head of the Organ Program at Baylor University (Waco, Texas).

Concert organist Aaron Tan is a leading young artist in North America. He is the only person to have received first-prize in three of the most major North American organ competitions: the Canadian RCCO National Organ Competition, the AGO National Young Artists Competitionin Organ Playing (NYACOP), and most recently in October 2021, the Canadian International Organ Competition. Originally from the Philippines and Canada, he is an organist and pianist who enjoys multi-faceted careers as a musician and a materials scientist. His primary musical tutelage has been with John Tuttle, David Palmer, Joel Hastings, Martin Jean, and David Higgs.

Mr. Tan is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Eastman School of Music and also serves as Organist and Director of Music at St. Alban's Catholic Church (Ordinariate in Rochester, NY). He recently received his MM and MMA from Yale University. Previously he has served as Organ Scholar at St. John's Episcopal Church, Detroit, Michigan, Artist in Residence at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, and Organ Scholar at the Church of the Resurrection, New York City.

As a scientist, Aaron holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Michigan and worked there as a postdoctoral researcher after earning his degree, studying polymer thin films.

More information about Aaron's musical interests and activities can be found at www.AaronTan.org.

In Memoriam Dr. Walter H Kemp, DPhil FRCCO, Honorary Vice-President

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:26:18 GMT

We are deeply saddened by the death of Honorary Vice-President, Dr. Walter H Kemp, DPhil FRCCO. Dr. Kemp passed away in Halifax on June 9, 2023 at the age of 84. We extend our sincere condolences to Dr. Kemp's loved ones and many friends and colleagues. Read more about Dr. Kemp in the CKDU notice here.

National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Spotlight 3

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:12:47 GMT

This week we are featuring National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Joshua Ehlebracht.

The Semi-finals will be held on Saturday July 1st at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto from 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is free (donations to the RCCO accepted at the door).

Summer Organ Academy 2023: Masterclass with Chelsea Chen

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:20:16 GMT

As part of the Summer Organ Academy, masterclasses are offered nightly at 7 pm from June 28 – 30. The first masterclass is on Wednesday, June 28 at 7 pm at Metropolitan United Church with Chelsea Chen. Auditing spots are still available! Register here if you’re interested.

American organist and composer Chelsea Chen is internationally renowned for her concerts of “rare musicality” and “lovely lyrical grandeur,” and a compositional style that is “charming” and “irresistible” (Los Angeles Times). Originally from San Diego, California, she studied the organ at The Juilliard School with Paul Jacobs and John Weaver and at Yale University with Thomas Murray. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan where she collected folk songs and composed new music for the organ. Now based in Zürich, Switzerland, she is a concert organist with frequent performances in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Recent highlights include performing with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony, as well as solo concerts at Los Angeles's Disney Hall and Dallas's Meyerson Hall. She collaborates often with New York cellist Joesph Lee and frequently premieres music by composers including Yui Kitamura and Julian Revie. For more information about Chelsea's compositions and concert dates visit her website at www.chelseachen.com.

Summer Organ Academy 2023: All-Star Organ Concert

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:17:15 GMT

Summer Organ Academy: All-Star Organ Concert

Rosedale United Church

Monday, June 26, 2023; 7 pm

This inaugural organ concert features nine of North America’s leading organists all in one incredible event! Come observe the prowess these artists demonstrate while enjoying the extreme dynamic and artistic contrasts available on one of the most unique and complex musical instruments. Musical selections will range from beloved classics to modern masterpieces.

Performers:

Chelsea Chen

Isabelle Demers

Aaron Tan

John Paul Farahat

Aaron James

Jonathan Oldengarm

David Simon

Sarah Svendsen

National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Spotlight 2

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:27:16 GMT

This week we are featuring National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Alexander Straus-Fausto.

Click the links below to hear Alexander perform:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_duvq-SwxM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-pI9yLlDE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrgbTRcWa6Y

The Semi-finals will be held on Saturday July 1st at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto from 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is free (donations to the RCCO accepted at the door).

Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize Winner Announced!

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:02:44 GMT

Announcement:

It is with much excitement that we announce Manuel Piazza as the 2023 winner of the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize. Funded by the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation and administered by the RCCO, this prestigious award of $7,500 is given in memory of Canada’s preeminent musician from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Congratulations!

About Manuel Piazza:

Manuel Piazza is the Interim Assistant Director of Music at Trinity Church in the City of Boston (Copley Square). In May 2022, he graduated with an MM from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, where he studied organ repertoire with Martin Jean, improvisation with Jeffrey Brillhart, and choral conducting with Dale Adelmann and Gloria Yin. Additionally, he served as senior organ scholar at Trinity Church on the Green, where he was mentored by Walden Moore. He was also an organist for the Yale Schola Cantorum, conducted by David Hill. Manuel developed a passion for sacred music while attending St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto, where he served as a chorister and began organ studies. He completed his undergraduate studies in Organ Performance at the University of Toronto, studying repertoire with John Tuttle and conducting with Ivars Taurins. He has also performed in masterclasses led by organists such as Olivier Latry, William Porter, Stefan Engels, David Briggs, James O’Donnell, Ben van Oosten, Jürgen Essl, Wolfgang Zerer, Christophe Mantoux, Olivier Penin, and Fréderic Blanc. While in Toronto, he served as choir director and organist at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, organ scholar at Trinity College (University of Toronto), organ scholar at St. James' Anglican Cathedral, and one of the five organists of St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. From September 2019 to July 2020, he was organ scholar at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall (UK), where he played at Evensong three times a week, accompanying a fantastic group of choristers under the direction of Christopher Gray. While living in the UK, he also taught theory and organ, led chorister rehearsals, and performed with ensembles such as the London Sinfonia. After returning to North America, he won first prize in the 2021 Royal Canadian College of Organists’ National Organ Playing Competition. Other awards include the Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship (RCCO), the Mary Baker Scholarship in Organ Accompanying (Yale Institute of Sacred Music), the Julia R. Sherman Memorial Prize for excellence in organ playing (Yale School of Music), and the Aidan Kavanagh Prize for Academic Achievement (Yale Institute of Sacred Music). In Summer 2023, Manuel looks forward to beginning a term as Assistant Director of Music at St. Thomas's Anglican Church in Toronto, where he hopes to found a new chorister program with the Director of Music and the Rector.

Hear Manuel perform here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlwPXwOXMb4

About Sir Ernest MacMillan:

Sir Ernest (1893-1973) was a Companion of the Order of Canada, and recipient of the only knighthood conferred on a Canadian musician. Perhaps best known as the conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, he was also conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for 15 years, as well as Dean of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music for 25 years, and Principal of the Royal Conservatory of Music for 16 years. He founded and/or presided over most of the major national organizations dedicated to music, including the Canadian Music Centre, the Canadian Music Council, the Canada Council, CAPAC (now SOCAN), and Jeunesses musicales du Canada. Sir Ernest's extraordinary contributions to the development of music in Canada, in virtually all aspects, as orchestral and choral conductor, organist, chamber musician, composer, arranger, educator, administrator, lecturer, adjudicator, writer, and statesman, are unparalleled.

As an organist, he was a prodigy, and was appearing publicly in Toronto by the age of ten. He passed the (British) ARCO exam in 1907 while still only 13, and the next year assumed his first professional position as the organist at Knox Presbyterian Church in Toronto. In 1911 he was awarded the Carte-Lafontaine prize as the top student in the FRCO exams that year in London. He later held organ positions at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Hamilton and Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, toured widely as an organist, and composed the fine concert piece Cortège académique (1953). MacMillan wrote about his career as an organist in the article “The Organ Was My First Love,” published in the Canadian Journal of Music in 1959.

His life story has been told in an award-winning biography by Ezra Schabas: Sir Ernest MacMillan: The Importance of Being Canadian (University of Toronto Press, 1994) and in the fine Encyclopedia of Music in Canada article by John Beckwith, available in English here and in French here.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of:

Summer Organ Academy 2023 - Only one space remaining!

Wed, 17 May 2023 18:36:11 GMT

There is only one space left for Summer Organ Academy 2023. Register now to claim it!

Bursaries available to assist with registration and travel costs. Contact us at info@rcco.ca for more information.

National Organ Competition Semi-Finalist Spotlight

Tue, 16 May 2023 16:36:45 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we will feature each of the Semi-Finalists.

This week's artist: Martin Jones

Martin Jones (Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize 2021, Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship 2021) is in his second year of study with Professor Martin Schmeding for a Master’s degree in organ performance at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" in Leipzig, Germany.

Follow the links below to hear Martin Perform:

César Frank: A Minor Choral: https://youtu.be/ruDVIa-sBwE

Frescobaldi: Toccata Nona (2nd Book of Toccatas), Bach: Toccata & Fugue in D Minor "Dorian" BWV 538: https://youtu.be/ChfWEBxtkJk?t=1151

The Semi-finals will be held on Saturday July 1st at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto from 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is free (donations to the RCCO accepted at the door).

The CIOC Presents "Whispers: Music that Connects Us" Tomorrow - May 16th, 7:00pm EDT

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:33:05 GMT

The Canadian International Organ Competition is thrilled to premiere "Whispers: Music that Connects Us”, to be released on May 16th, 2023 at 7pm EDT!

The concert-film, which reimagines the music of Mozart through a 21st century lens, is the fruit of a collaboration between organists, composers, singers, ensembles, filmmakers, and arts workers from across Canada. The project highlights the versatility of the organ, showcasing musical reimaginings that range from traditional interpretations to jazz, electronic, and popular styles, all woven together to tell a breathtaking story of love and betrayal.

“Whispers” will be released as a YouTube Premiere and is free to attend.

Le CIOC présente "Murmures : La musique en partage”

Le Concours international d'orgue du Canada est ravi de présenter "Murmures : La musique en partage", qui sortira le 16 mai 2023 à 19 heures HAE !

Ce film-concert, qui réimagine la musique de Mozart sous l'angle du 21e siècle, est le fruit d'une collaboration entre organistes, compositeurs, chanteurs, ensembles, cinéastes et travailleurs du secteur des arts de tout le Canada. Le projet met en valeur la polyvalence de l'orgue, en présentant des réinterprétations musicales allant des interprétations traditionnelles au jazz, à l'électronique et aux styles populaires, le tout tissé pour raconter une histoire d'amour et de trahison à couper le souffle.

"Murmures" sera diffusé sur YouTube Premiere, et la participation est gratuite.

Billetterie: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/631612498987

Summer Organ Academy 2023 - Registration Deadline May 15!

Fri, 12 May 2023 17:01:34 GMT

The deadline to register for Summer Organ Academy 2023 is this coming Monday, May 15th. There are only 3 spots remaining for fully registered students. Don't delay - register now!

Now Hiring for Summer Position: Multimedia Developer

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:56:23 GMT

Position: Multimedia Developer

Position Summary:

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) is seeking a Multimedia Developer to design, development and deliver of a wide range of communication content and materials for the promotion of the RCCO and its projects and programs. The successful candidate will contribute positively to the implementation of the RCCO’s Vision and Mission and work collaboratively with team members to help define the brand story and optimize the integration of content throughout the organization’s web platforms and media channels.

Key Duties:

work collaboratively with team members to develop a brand story for the organization and its programs
design, develop and deliver multimedia graphics for social media platforms
maintain and enhance existing applications
assist with the development of a digital database of organs located across Canada
maintain web- based communication hub
ensure proper use of design templates, standards, and style sheets
communicate efficiently and professionally with internal and external partners

Skills and Qualifications*:

superior verbal and written communication skills
knowledge of basic audio and video editing techniques
experience with graphic-design and photo-editing platforms (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
ability to work with BuddyBoss and WPEngine platforms
ability to work independently and develop creative ideas for visual presentation and production style
self-motivated, effective in a team setting and individually
highly efficient time-management skills and ability to prioritize tasks
strong capability to multitask and finish assigned projects before deadlines
post-secondary education
previous experience in the arts and culture sector an asset

Organizational Profile:

Founded in 1909, the RCCO is the national voice of the organ and its music across Canada. Our vision is: Inspiring connections with organ music. We support, promote and celebrate Canada’s organ music community by providing learning opportunities, resources, outreach and professional development opportunities through our programs and services. We seek to enrich the lives of Canadians by engaging the wider public in Canada’s rich organ heritage and vibrant organ culture. The RCCO is committed to providing greater access to the organ and its music through technological innovations that can enhance its reach and actively engage Canadians of all genders, ethnicities, age, abilities, or geographic location, in the art of the organ.

Additional Information:

Tenure: 30 hours per week for 9 weeks

Wage: $20.00/hr + 4% vacation pay

Start Date: June 5, 2023

Location: The successful candidate will work remotely.

Application Deadline: May 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a résumé and cover letter, (combined in a single PDF) to Elizabeth Shannon, Executive Director, at execdirector@rcco.ca. Please indicate “Event Coordinator” in the subject line of the email. Deadline to apply is May 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

Now Hiring for Summer Position: Event Coordinator

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:48:12 GMT

Position: Event Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) is seeking an Event Coordinator to assist with the planning and delivery of the Summer Organ Academy. (Go here for more information about the Academy.) The Event Assistant will organize, manage, and perform an extensive array of administrative and program support activities on behalf of the Summer Organ Academy project team. The successful candidate will contribute positively to the implementation of the RCCO’s Vision and Mission and work collaboratively with a wide variety of individuals.

Key Duties:

assist with project planning, organizing and coordinating logistics
assist with communications, marketing and promotion
provide on-site event support in Toronto from June 26 to July 1, 2023
provide administrative assistance to the Summer Organ Academy team as needed
communicate efficiently and professionally with partners

Skills and Qualifications*:

superior verbal and written communication skills
highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
self-motivated, effective in a team setting and individually
highly efficient time-management skills and ability to prioritize tasks
strong capability to multitask and finish assigned projects before deadlines
post-secondary education
previous experience in the arts and culture sector an asset
previous experience with event production an asset

Organizational Profile:

The Summer Organ Academy is an exception learning experience for organists of all ages and stages seeking skill development and personal growth. The Academy, which will be held in Toronto from June 26 to July 1 2023 features organ lessons, masterclasses and lectures with leading Canadian and international organists. Click here for more information.

Additional Information:

Tenure: 30 hours per week for 9 weeks

Wage: $20.00/hr + 4% vacation pay

Start Date: June 5, 2023

Location: The successful candidate will work remotely but must be available in Toronto from June 26 to July 1, 2023.

Application Deadline: May 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

How to Apply:

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

Job Opportunity: Office Administrator

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:46:59 GMT

The Royal Canadian College of Organists

Job Opportunity: Office Administrator

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) seeks an experienced Office Administrator to ensure effective and efficient day-to-day office operations and to provide administrative support to the Executive Director and RCCO’s programs and leadership. As the first point of contact for RCCO members and the general public, the successful candidate will contribute positively to the implementation of the RCCO’s Vision and Mission and work collaboratively with a wide variety of individuals.

The Office Administrator will work at the RCCO office at 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, with the possibility of some remote work. This is a part-time position, 25 hours per week, and the rate of pay is $25.00 per hour. The desired start date is July 17, 2023.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Shannon at execdirector@rcco.ca. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m., June 19, 2023.

THE ROYAL CANADIAN COLLEGE OF ORGANISTS (RCCO)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Office Administrator is responsible for day-to-day operations of the RCCO and provides support for the core functions of its business operations such as maintenance of the membership database, order processing, and website updating. The Office Administrator works with Board and Council Committees to support a wide variety of RCCO programs and services and provides assistance to the Executive Director as required.

Key Duties:

Office Administration

• Respond in a timely and professional manner to phone calls, emails and letters from members, donors, Board and National Council members, local Centre representatives, industry representatives and the public

• Process membership renewals using Wild Apricot

• Process donations using Wild Apricot and Canada Helps and issue donation receipts

• Process, package and mail online orders; maintain product inventory

• Perform database queries and prepare reports on membership, donations, social media statistics, etc. as needed

• Maintain highly organized digital and physical office files

• Prepare and distribute meeting packages for Board and Council meetings and Annual General Meeting

• Maintain and update website using Wild Apricot

• Post on social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as directed by Executive Director, President, Committee Chairs

• Proofread, edit and write documents and communications, including monthly e-newsletter

• Monitor the organization’s annual calendar and ensure appropriate notices are issued and deadlines are maintained

• Provide support to the Executive Director

Bookkeeping

• Perform basic bookkeeping duties such as recording sales receipts, deposits, bills payments and expenses using QuickBooks online

• Receive, process and issue payments for bills and expense claims

• Create and issue invoices and process their payment

• Perform monthly account reconciliations

• Prepare monthly financial reports for Centres and issue payments due to Centres

• Accept credit card payments using online payment processing software

• Make regular bank deposits

Program and Project Support

• Process applications for examinations, scholarships and prizes and manage the administration of examinations annually

• Project coordination and support for College programs and initiatives including the Summer Organ Academy

• Provide administrative assistance as needed for a variety of RCCO programs and services

Skills and Qualifications:

• excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to build and maintain relationships

• highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

• experience with database maintenance

• skilled with accounting software, especially QuickBooks

• strong multitasker, who can successfully prioritize and manage varied tasks in a deadline-driven environment

• proficient using Canva (or similar design software) to design and edit graphics for social media, e-newsletter and website

• competent using drag-and-drop module-based website editor

• very detail-oriented, thorough, and organized

• self-motivated and able to take initiative

• able to work well independently and in a team setting

• post-secondary education

Assets:

• previous experience in a member/donor-based environment and an understanding of the fundamentals of a non-profit working environment

• knowledgeable about the arts and culture sector

• bilingual (French and English)

Summer Organ Academy 2023 Bursary Announcement!

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:52:33 GMT

We are pleased to announce financial support to participants attending the 2023 Summer Organ Academy.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, The Good Foundation Inc. and The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, a bursary of up to 50% of registration fees will be available to all students registered in the full 5-day program of the 2023 Summer Organ Academy.

These bursaries are being provided to support organist training by offsetting the cost of attendance. Simply submit a letter of request to info@rcco.ca indicating your need for this assistance when registration is complete. (Note, an additional travel bursary may also be available for participants required to travel a significant distance. Please contact us for details.)

Students aged 24 or under as of July 1, 2023, should also consider applying for the Paul Grimwood Scholarship, an award of up to $500 granted annually to a Summer Organ Academy student. More details and the application form can be found here.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Shannon, Executive Director

Vancouver Centre Internation Organ Day 2023 Events

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 15:50:31 GMT

The RCCO Vancouver Centre is hosting an organ crawl this morning, ending with a concert in the afternoon.

We are going to start at 9am on the three manual Casavant organ at the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church

8255 13th Ave.,

Burnaby, B.C., V3N 2G6.

At 11am we will be at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Parish 2881 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3G1 with its unique organ.

Finally at 2pm we will attend this concert:

Christina Hutten, organist, harpsichordist will present works by Bach, Frescobaldi, Buxtehude, Sweelinck, Brahms, Storace, Demessieux, Franck and more….

Admission by donation

St Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church

1573 18th Ave E, Vancouver, British Columbia V5N 2H4

Happy International Organ Day 2023!

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 15:48:45 GMT

Tune in at 20:00 on Saturday 22 April to www.YouTube.com/RCOFilms to be inspired and entertained by The Organ Show - Live!

Read about the history of International Organ Day, and find more ways to get involved here:

https://www.rco.org.uk/internationalorganday2023.php

Notice of Nominations

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:12:25 GMT

Congratulations to the National Organ Competition Semi-Finalists!

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:29:14 GMT

The Semi-Finalists are:

Joshua Ehlebracht

Isaac Howie

Martin Jones

Owen Spicer

Alexander Straus-Fausto

Our thanks to the Preliminary Round Judges:

Wendy Markosky

Michelle Martin-Atwood

David Palmer

The Semi-final round will take place on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm, with the Final round being held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Lawrence Park Community Church at 2:00 pm

Thomas Fitches

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:52:48 GMT

We are very saddened to share the news that Thomas Fitches, long-time member and Chair of the Historic Organ Committee, has passed away.

The following is a message from The Rev. Andrew Federle, Rector of St. Clement's Church, Toronto, where Tom served as Music Director until 2015:

It is with sadness that I share with you news of the death of Tom Fitches.

I received word late this morning and have spoken personally with Tom’s family. Tom died at home, having felt unwell the last few days. Tom’s expressed wish was to be buried in the courtyard of St. Clement’s, and details regarding his funeral service will be shared widely once finalized.

Tom served St. Clement’s as Director of Music for 42 years, retiring in 2015. The bell in our belltower is named, “Faithful Tom,” for this man who embodied this particular fruit of the Spirit so wholeheartedly.

Despite a cancer diagnosis, Tom continued to serve, play, and teach in churches throughout the city, most recently at Grace Church on-the-Hill. Tom remained Organist Emeritus of St. Clement’s, joining us as recently as last summer for a month of Sundays.

The news of Tom’s death arrived on Ash Wednesday - a day on which our bodies are marked and our souls claimed: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Yet even at the grave we make our song. We share with you Henry Purcell’s Hear my prayer, recorded live at our Ash Wednesday service yesterday evening. Dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Tom Fitches. (Link to video here)

Yours truly in Christ,

The Rev. Andrew Federle

Rector

St. Clement’s Church, Toronto

Organist Launchpad Update

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:00:18 GMT

Production of the RCCO's Organist Launchpad professional development video series is well underway, and we already have lots of great material! Here are some pics from the session with Cadence Brassard and Rashaan Allwood:

continuo - February 2023

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:35:02 GMT

Click here to view the February 2023 edition of continuo.

National Organ Competition Deadline Extended!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:20:11 GMT

National Organ Competition Application

Deadline Extended to February 15, 2023 Apply Now!

https://rcco.ca/National-Organ-Competition

Watch RCCO Member Cadence Brassard on tvoKids!

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:46:17 GMT

Cadence Brassard and Rashaan Rori Allwood (composer of the commissioned organ work for the 2023 National Organ Competition) were recently featured on the TVOKids show Backyard Beats. Check it out here:

https://www.tvokids.com/school-age/backyard-beats-season-2/videos/organ

continuo - January 2023

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:25:03 GMT

Click here to view the January 2023 edition of continuo.

Job Opportunity: Project Manager

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:48:18 GMT

Position: Project Manager

Position Summary:

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) is seeking an experienced short-term Project Manager to plan and coordinate the development of a series of professional development videos for organists. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and collaboratively with the technical production team as well as a wide variety of project participants.

Key Duties:

coordinate the planning, logistics and execution of the video series
collaborate with the production team to ensure production needs are met
communicate and coordinate with external parties including guest presenters and venue personnel
create production schedule and monitor project progress
create marketing plan and promotional materials and manage marketing activities
identify and resolve issues that arise
ensure that project is delivered on time within the stipulated budget
ensure that project outcomes meet expectations
create and maintain project documentation and prepare status reports
submit project evaluation at conclusion of project

Skills and Qualifications:

exceptional verbal and written communication skills
highly proficient management skills
self-motivated, effective in a team setting and individually
superior time-management skills
ability to monitor and control project budgets
relevant project management related experience

Organizational Profile:

Additional Information:

Terms: 15 hours per week for 16 weeks

Wage: $35 per hour

Start Date: As soon as possible and not later than January 9, 2023

Location: The successful candidate will be working remotely

Application Deadline: December 30, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a résumé and cover letter, (combined in a single PDF) to Elizabeth Shannon, Executive Director, at info@rcco.ca. Please indicate “Project Manager” in the subject line of the email. Deadline to apply is December 30, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

The Gala Organ Concert is Tonight!

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:47:43 GMT

It's not too late!

The RCCO Gala Organ Concert is tonight, 7:30pm, November 25, 2022 at St. Basil's Catholic Parish, 50 St. Joseph St., Toronto

Tickets are still available at the door.

We hope to see you there!

Gala Organ Concert Artist Spotlight - Manuel Piazza

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 19:00:00 GMT

The Gala Organ concert is fast approaching - less than a week to go!

This week, we are featuring our final Gala Organ Concert Artist - Manuel Piazza (First Place 2021 RCCO National Organ Competition, 2020 Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship).

Hear him play a section of the Duruflé Suite pour orgue, Op. 5:

Manuel Piazza_Duruflé_Promo_RCCO.mp4

Manuel will be performing at our Gala Organ Concert, Friday November 25, 2022, 7:30pm

St. Basil's Catholic Church, 50 St. Joseph St, Toronto

Tickets are still available at the door.

Gala Organ Concert Artist Spotlight - Martin Jones

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 19:26:07 GMT

This week we are featuring Gala Organ Concert Artist Martin Jones

(First Place 2021 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize, First Place 2021 Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship).

Hear Martin performing Franck's Choral in A Minor here.

Martin will be performing at our Gala Organ Concert, Friday November 25, 2022, 7:30pm

St. Basil's Catholic Church, 50 St. Joseph St, Toronto

Tickets are still available at the door.

Gala Organ Concert Artist Spotlight - Aaron Tan

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:13:27 GMT

Don't miss RCCO Award Winner Aaron Tan (First Place 2021 CIOC, Raymond Daveluy Prize) at the Gala Organ Concert

Friday November 25th, 2022, 7:30pm at St. Basil's Catholic Church in Toronto.

Tickets are still available at the Door.

Click here to see a clip of Aaron performing!

Tickets available NOW: Gala Organ Concert

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:59:15 GMT

Gala Organ Concert
November 25, 2022, 7:30 PM
St. Basil's Catholic Church, 50 St Joseph St, Toronto

Canada's top emerging artists and RCCO award-winners at the organ, followed by a special Gala Reception!

Aaron Tan (First Place 2021 CIOC, Raymond Daveluy Prize)

Jeanne Demessieux : 7 Méditations sur le Saint Esprit, Op. 6; vii. Lumière.
Henri Duparc, transc. Aaron Tan : Aux étoiles
Louis Vierne : Symphonie No. 5, Op. 47; v. Final

Martin Jones (First Place 2021 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize, First Place 2021 Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship)

Max Reger : Phantasie über den Choral Wie schön leucht't uns der Morgenstern, Op. 40: No. 1
Charles-Valentin Alkan : Prière in F, Op. 64: No. 5

Manuel Piazza (First Place 2021 RCCO National Organ Competition, 2020 Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship)

Maurice Duruflé : Suite pour orgue, Op. 5

Tickets are still available at the Door

General Admission ($25): Admission to the concert only.
President's Circle ($150): Admission to the concert and the gala reception, plus reserved seating. (Includes $100.00 tax receipt.)

2023 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 14:49:15 GMT

It is with much excitement that we announce the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize. Funded by the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation and administered by the RCCO, this prestigious award of $7,500 is given in memory of Canada’s preeminent musician from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Offered in odd-numbered years, the prize will support the artistic development and career advancement of a young organist; it may be used to assist with travel, a workshop or study program, participation in a festival or competition, or other relevant purposes

Candidates should be at an advanced stage of their musical education, under thirty years of age at April 30, 2023, and should hold either Canadian citizenship or permanent residency of Canada. They should also be members of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Candidates will be expected to prepare a program of no more than 40 minutes of music drawn from three categories:

the works of J. S. Bach – a slow and fast movement from Trio Sonata III, IV, V or VI
French symphonic school – two contrasting movements from an organ symphony of Widor or Vierne
Contemporary Canadian Organ Music – one of these movements from theSonatas of Raymond Daveluy:

3rd Sonata : Chaconne, 2nd Movement
5th Sonata : Scherzo, 2nd Movement
5th Sonata : Final, 4th Movement
4th Sonata : Fantasy, 1st Movement
4th Sonata : Fugue, 3rd Movement
Epilogue on "Nun Danket" and "Ballerma"
6th Sonata : Toccata, 4th Movement

The winner will be selected by recorded audition and references, adjudicated by a jury of representatives from the RCCO and the wider musical world beyond. The jury may withhold its recommendation if it considers no applicant is of sufficiently high artistic standard.

The application and reference letter deadline is April 30, 2023.

For the Application Form and further details, please click here.

For information on the Sir Ernest MacMillan Foundation, go to:

www.macmillanfoundation.com/e_semmf.html

Only 1 More Day Until the FutureStops Festival!

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:13:17 GMT

FutureStops Festival
September 29 – October 1, 2022
Live in Toronto or Online at futurestops.org

Join us for an inspiring and memorable organ music experience! Presenting traditional and diverse approaches, the FutureStops Festival is breaking barriers and inviting new audiences in to hear the organ in action and engage with innovative creators and makers as they explore the unique and extraordinary sonic possibilities of the organ.

Featuring performances and discussions with visionary artists Charlemagne Palestine, FUJI|||||||||||TA, Amina Claudine Myers, Kali Malone, and other festival guests. Hear Raven Chacon’s Pulitzer Prize winning work, Voiceless Mass, and others as part of this unprecedented gathering of artists including:

Jazz legend Amina Claudine Myers with choir and percussion
Premiere of Canadian Neil Weisensel's Tableaux for Organ
Performances on custom designed organs from Denmark and Japan
Virtuoso Thomas Mellan from Boston performing dazzling 21st century works
Free artist talks, presentations and demonstrations

Watch a preview here.

Interview with Jean-Willy Kunz

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:46:18 GMT

Click below to read an interview with FutureStops Festival performer Jean-Willy Kunz, from Matthew Fava:

The Organ Beckons to Toronto: Speaking with organist Jean-Willy Kunz about the history and present dynamism of his chosen instrument

Save the Date: Gala Organ Concert

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:36:09 GMT

Gala Organ Concert
November 25, 2022, 7:30 PM
St. Basil's Catholic Church, 50 St Joseph St, Toronto

Canada's top emerging artists and RCCO award-winners at the organ performing Demessieux, Duruflé, Reger and more, followed by a special Gala Reception!

Aaron Tan (First Place 2021 CIOC, Raymond Daveluy Prize)
Martin Jones (First Place 2021 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize, First Place 2021 Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship)
Manuel Piazza (First Place 2021 RCCO National Organ Playing Competition, 2020 Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship)

Tickets on sale October 3:

General Admission ($25): Admission to the concert only.
President's Circle ($150): Admission to the concert and the gala reception, plus reserved seating. (Includes $100.00 tax receipt.)

For more information call 416-929-6400 or email us at info[at]rcco.ca

The RCCO Remembers Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:41:20 GMT

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and extend our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II devoted her life to her country and to the Commonwealth and she will always be remembered for her inspiring leadership and grace and her unwavering devotion to her duties. The Royal Canadian College of Organists is especially grateful to Queen Elizabeth II for granting the use of the Royal prefix in 1959, in recognition of the College's 50th anniversary and of its significant contribution to the cultural life of Canada.

Job Opportunity: Office Administrator

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:26:08 GMT

The Royal Canadian College of Organists
Job Opportunity: Office Administrator

The Office Administrator will work at the RCCO office in Toronto. This is a part-time position, 25 hours per week, and the rate of pay is $25.00 per hour. The desired start date is October 3, 2022.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Shannon at execdirector@rcco.ca. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m., September 19, 2022.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

Key Duties:

Office Administration

Respond in a timely and professional manner to phone calls, emails and letters from members, donors, Board and National Council members, local Centre representatives, industry representatives and the public
Process membership renewals using Wild Apricot
Process donations using Wild Apricot and Canada Helps and issue donation receipts
Process, package and mail online orders; maintain product inventory
Perform database queries and prepare reports on membership, donations, social media statistics, etc. as needed
Maintain highly organized digital and physical office files
Prepare and distribute meeting packages for Board and Council meetings and Annual General Meeting
Maintain and update website using Wild Apricot
Post on social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as directed by Executive Director, President, Committee Chairs
Proofread, edit and write documents and communications, including monthly e-newsletter
Monitor the organization’s annual calendar and ensure appropriate notices are issued and deadlines are maintained
Provide support to the Executive Director

Bookkeeping

Perform basic bookkeeping duties such as recording sales receipts, deposits, bills payments and expenses using QuickBooks online
Receive, process and issue payments for bills and expense claims
Create and issue invoices and process their payment
Perform monthly account reconciliations
Prepare monthly financial reports for Centres and issue payments due to Centres
Accept credit card payments using online payment processing software
Make regular bank deposits

Program and Project Support

Process applications for examinations, scholarships and prizes and manage the administration of examinations annually
Process registrations for events such as Summer Organ Academy and Organ Festival Canada
Provide administrative assistance as needed for a variety of RCCO programs and services

Skills and Qualifications:

excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to build and maintain relationships
highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
strong multitasker, who can successfully prioritize and manage varied tasks in a deadline-driven environment
proficient using Canva (or similar design software) to design and edit graphics for social media, e-newsletter and website
competent using drag-and-drop module-based website editor
previous experience with database maintenance and accounting software
very detail-oriented, thorough, and organized
self-motivated and able to take initiative
able to work well independently and in a team setting
post-secondary education
previous experience in a member/donor-based environment and an understanding of the fundamentals of a non-profit working environment are assets
previous experience in the arts and culture sector an asset

Call for Participation: FutureStops TikTok Video Series

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:45:29 GMT

In anticipation of the upcoming FutureStops Festival, the Royal Canadian College of Organists is inviting you to participate in the launch of a TikTok video series!

The FutureStops TikTok videos will be an inspiration to both organists and non-organists alike and we would love you to be part of it. To make this work, we are asking you to submit a video of you playing a brief chord progression (approximately 30 seconds) which will serve as the basis for an improvised collaboration with musicians from around the world. Check out this link to see how other musicians are creating amazing music on TikTok.

All you have to do is use a metronome so that it’s easy for another musician to synchronize with you (but please make it inaudible in the recording!) and send to FutureStops Event Coordinator Sanjay Parker at sanjay.parker[at]rcco.ca by August 15, 2022. We hope that this will be a fun opportunity for you to collaborate with a variety of musicians, and a chance to promote yourself in the organ world and the wider musical community. Be creative with your registration and chords – the idea is to show off the expressive and unique capabilities of the instrument!

The FutureStops Festival, September 29 – October 1, 2022 is a showcase of the 21st century organ music experience. Join us in person or online for 3 days of exciting concerts and discussions with fascinating musicians as we present a wide range of radically innovative musical approaches to the organ. Learn more at futurestops.org.

Questions? Please contact us at sanjay.parker[at]rcco.ca.

Thank you!

Tickets Available Now For FutureStops Festival, Plus New Website Launched!

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 17:33:55 GMT

Join us in person or online for 3 days of exciting concerts and discussions with fascinating musicians as we present a wide range of radically innovative musical approaches to the organ. Immerse yourself in the unique sonic power of the organ and discover how this extraordinarily complex instrument is being reinvented and re-imagined by diverse and exciting 21st century composers, performers and inventors.

Plus, join our growing online community on futurestops.org! Create a profile, post your concerts, news, recordings and more, connect with organists from all over the world and discuss organs and organ music in our community forums. The website is free to use and there will be many more features to come!

Call for Participation: Canadian Organ Database Survey

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:18:49 GMT

We are excited to announce that the RCCO is creating an online Canadian Organ Database! We are asking for your help in developing the most current and interesting online resource by inviting you to complete the survey linked below. Submissions collected through this survey will help us to populate the database before it goes live.

We would like to include as many organs as possible, from those in small towns to large cities across Canada. Specifically, we are collecting:

     1. Location
     2. Media (photos, videos, audio)
     3. General Information
     4. Technical Details

To make our database engaging and interactive, we are especially interested in videos of the organ being played.

Your participation is essential to our success and would be greatly appreciated! You can also help by sharing this survey with your friends and contacts. The deadline to submit a response is July 4, 2022. Thank you.

RCCO Canadian Organ Database Survey:
https://forms.gle/V17RY8bt7B9o8RTD7

June 5, 2022: Discussion with Blake Hargreaves about FutureStops Podcast

Thu, 19 May 2022 15:55:58 GMT

Join Blake Hargreaves, host of the FutureStops podcast, in a discussion about the show! The Canada-wide event will take place on June 5, 2022 at 2 PM PT by Zoom.

Use this link to join the discussion:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81174062689?pwd=bS93WGFFdGExUjFiTXVtbk0xY2hldz09

Now Hiring Three Summer Positions!

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:17:19 GMT

The RCCO is hiring three temporary, full-time positions through the Canada Summer Jobs program.* It is expected that the successful candidates will be working remotely. The application deadline for all positions is May 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM ET. Please click on the job titles below for full job descriptions and application instructions:

Event Assistant for FutureStops Festival

Event Coordinator for Summer Organ Academy

Fundraising Assistant

*Note: To be eligible for employment, and in accordance with funding from Canada Summer Jobs, applicants must
be; 30 years of age or younger at the start of employment; a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to
whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

Let's set a record! Make Windsor Essex the Organ Capital of Canada for International Organ Day

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:04:05 GMT

The Windsor Essex Centre of the RCCO is inviting anyone, especially young people. interested in the organ to see one up close, learn about it, hear it, and play it.

On April 23, 2022, designated venues across Windsor and Essex County will open their doors between 1 and 3 PM.

Bring a piece of music or play your favourite piece from memory, even if it is 'chopsticks'. Learn how to make different sounds using a variety of 'organ stops', take a picture of yourself on the organ bench, or record your organ playing debut.

Goal - to establish a first-time ever record of the greatest number of people possible playing an organ on International Organ Day. Setting this record, Windsor Essex will be the very first Organ Capital of Canada!

Check out CBC Windsor's coverage of the upcoming event here.

Honorary Awards Nomination Deadline Extended to May 31, 2022

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:35:24 GMT

The RCCO honours and celebrates individuals and organizations who, through their work locally or nationally, have made a significant contribution to the organ and its music in Canada. A complete description of each award and criteria is available at https://www.rcco.ca/honorary-awards . Please consider nominating members of your Centre who may be worthy of an award.

Nominations are due no later than May 31, 2022.

The RCO's Organ Show is back!

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:56:59 GMT

The RCCO is excited to be a part of The Organ Show 2022, celebrating International Organ Day with The Royal College of Organists, The American Guild of Organists, and more. Tune in on YouTube at 3:00 PM EST on April 23, 2022 and be inspired!

NOTICE of NOMINATIONS

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 16:52:06 GMT

We are pleased to announce the list of nominees standing for election to the 2022-2023 RCCO Board of Directors.

Office	Candidate
President	Thomas Leslie (Montréal QC)
President Elect	Chellan Hoffman (Calgary AB)
Treasurer	Lary Grossman (Montréal QC)
Secretary	Patrick Carter (Hamilton ON)
Director-at-Large (Chair of Advocacy)	John Paul Farahat (Toronto ON)
Director-at-Large (Chair of Communications)	Sean Simpson (Waterloo-Wellington ON)
Director-at-Large (Chair of Development)	Robert Dixon (Toronto ON)
Director-at-Large (Chair of Governance)	Katy Sweet Allen (Winnipeg MB)
Director-at-Large (Chair of Marketing)	Peter West (Waterloo-Wellington ON)
Director-at-Large (Chair of Programming)	Angelique Po (Vancouver BC)

Please click here to read the biography of each nominee.

Additional nominations for these positions may be made by the membership on or before May 1, 2022. Nomination submissions must be received by the National Office on or before May 1, 2022 and consist of 1) the consent in writing of the nominee, and 2) the signatures of five other members in support of the nomination.

Where only one person is nominated for a position, those nominated will be elected by acclamation. Where more than one person is nominated for the available position(s) an election will be conducted. If required, the election will be conducted online and managed by a third-party voting service provider to maintain confidentiality. A notice with candidate information and full voting instructions will be sent in mid-May. Members without an email address will receive an election package in the mail. Voting will close June 15, 2022. (Members who have email but would prefer to vote by mail-in ballot must notify the national office prior to May 1, 2022.)

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Shannon
Executive Director

1st International Online Organ Festival runs April 18 - May 1, 2022

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:21:09 GMT

Online organ festival sets new standards

Digital organ festival gathers worldwide organ scene for the first time

The 1st International Online Organ Festival (18.4.-1.5.2022) takes place under the patronage of the German UNESCO Commission and offers a comprehensive and exciting program around the organ. At the heart of the festival are more than 30 concert films, which will be available as video on demand throughout the festival period.

Every day, three of these film contributions will take center stage as highlights, each of which will be accompanied by matching live Q & As sessions as free special events. In addition, there is an impressive interactive program consisting of prominent Zoom panels, webinars, Q&As and online MasterClasses by top-class organists.

The lineup of participating churches and venues reads like a Who's Who of exciting places of culture like the cathedrals of Milan, Cologne or Vienna or modern concert venues like the brand new Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow and the National Grand Theater in the heart of Beijing.

First program highlights are for example an organ concert with Wayne Marshall in Europe's oldest theater building the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenca/Venetia (1580), Jean Guillou's masterpiece 'La Révolte des Orgues' from the Milan Cathedral or performance films by top organists like Olivier Latry, Martin Baker or Dong-ill Shen from Seoul/Korea. There are also several specials presenting the most beautiful organs of Dresden or Bavaria. Hansjörg Albrecht will present works from St. Florian, Linz, London, Munich and Bari in a concert film focusing on Anton Bruckner.

At the free online Q & A Zoom-events, there is a unique opportunity to get in touch with participating organists.

Another opportunity to learn more about the organ are the panels of the 1st IOOF. The discussion rounds will be held via Zoom in German or English with prominent specialists from music, politics and society. Here, viewers can either actively participate in the discussion or just listen. In addition, interesting webinars are offered for in-depth discussion of various topics in the context of the organ. As soon as the list of topics for the webinars is published, registration for the limited places will be opened.

The online masterclasses are a special offering designed for people to further their education about organ practice. The limited seats are reserved for students as well as active organists and will be sold out quickly.

Other patrons of the IOOF are star conductor Kent Nagano and former Bundestag President Norbert Lammert. The festival is kindly supported by the Goethe Institute, and cooperation partners are international organ associations such as the VEM - Association of Protestant Church Musicians, IAO - the umbrella organization of English organ associations and the RCO - Royal College of Organists.

Tickets available from February - 14 festival days.
30+ concert films | 4/18 -5/1/2022
Daily updates at www.io-of.org
Subscribe to the IOOF newsletter
Contact: IOOF -International Online Organ Festival UG,
Leopoldstr. 206 | 80804 Munich, Email: info@io-of.org

RCCO Vancouver Centre seeks masterclass participants

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:18:45 GMT

The RCCO Vancouver Centre has arranged a masterclass with Pacific Baroque Orchestra's Orchestra's Alexander Weimann on Saturday, May 7, at 11:00 am, and they are looking for participants! The masterclass will be on West Vancouver United Church's unique, Baroque-style organ built by Martin Pasi. There will be a brief opportunity for participants to try registrations on the organ an hour before the masterclass, from 10-11 am.

If you are interested in playing, please send an email with the name of your piece no later than Friday, April 22 to Angelique at angelique_po@hotmail.com. A maximum of 4 participants are sought, on a first-come-first-serve basis, though preference will be given to current RCCO Vancouver members. Baroque pieces are preferred for this masterclass, though organists of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. The masterclass will be open to anyone who would like to observe.

Alexander Weimann is an accomplished organist and harpsichordist living and working in Vancouver, who has a highly-regarded international career as both a soloist and conductor. Here in Vancouver, he is well-known as being the Music Director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, Sessional Lecturer of Conducting and Harpsichord at the University of British Columbia, and Director of the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme. You can read more about him on his website: https://alexanderweimann.com/.

Dates Announced for 2023 Mikael Tariverdiev International Organ Competition

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 15:45:49 GMT

The Organizing Committee of the Mikael Tariverdiev International Organ Competition has announced the dates of the 13th competition.

2023
The first round:
Hamburg, Germany — April, 17–21
New Haven, Connecticut, USA — May, 9–12
Beijing, China — May, 22–25
Moscow, Russia — August, 28–31

The second and the third rounds:
Kaliningrad, Russia — September, 3–9

President of the Jury — Martin Jean, USA

The programme, rules and the list of Jury are on the website www.organcimpetition.ru.

Honorary Patron Angela Hewitt receives Oskar Morawetz Award for Excellence in Music Performance

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:07:10 GMT

Congratulations to Honorary Patron Angela Hewitt, CC, OBE on receiving the Ontario Arts Council's Oskar Morawetz Award for Excellence in Music Performance!

This award is presented biennially to an outstanding Canadian performer in the field of classical music, recognizing talent and commitment to Canadian music.

Hewitt will receive the award on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the opening night of Hewitt Plays Bach & Mozart – her series with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Photo credit: Bernd Eberle

Young Organist Virtual Network Survey Open Until March 1, 2022

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 18:37:18 GMT

The RCCO is creating a virtual network to connect and support young organists. If you are a young organist, you can help us determine what features and resources would be helpful to you by completing this short survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXpi-_wNjew6QZ6DbpAbEjThXzDw3di9wsDzqdJ2_WVFfXxw/viewform?usp=sf_link

The deadline to respond is March 1.

Thank you!

RCO Winter Conference offering reduced fee for RCCO members

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 15:16:48 GMT

The Royal College of Organists (RCO) is offering a reduced fee to RCCO members wishing to join the RCO Winter Conference! The Conference will run online from Thursday, February 17 to Saturday, February 19, 2022, and the content will be available for viewing for several weeks after the Conference closes, making it easier to access for those living in different time zones to the UK.

Full details of the Conference programme can be found at https://conference.rco.org.uk/winter22/. RCCO Members should book at the 'Members of RCO Partner Organisations' rate.

In brief, the conference will include:

Six recitals, each followed by live chat with the players...
- Katelyn Emerson playing the Walcker organ in the Methuen Memorial Hall, Boston, sponsored by Andover Organ Company
- Jean-Baptiste Monnot playing the Cavaillé-Coll organ at Saint-Ouen, Rouen, sponsored by Church Organ World
- Daniel Moult playing the Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ at St George's Hanover Square, London and the Lewis organ at St John the Divine, Upper Norwood, London, sponsored jointly by Richards, Fowkes & Co. and Harrison & Harrison Ltd.
- Freddie James playing on the 1734 organ of the Franziskanerkirche, Lucerne, Switzerland, sponsored by Viscount Organs
- Ivan-Bogdan Reincke (winner of the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition 2019), playing on the 1741 Trost organ of the Schlosskirche, Alternberg, Germany, sponsored by the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition
- Wenying Wu (winner of the IAO-RCO Organ Playing Competition 2021) playing on the Schuke organ of Erfurt Cathedral, Germany, sponsored by Viscount Organs
Presentations by...
- The British Institute of Organ Studies
- The Incorporated Association of Organists
- The Institute of British Organ Building
- The Royal School of Church Music
- The Society of Women Organists
- Eastman School of Music (with David Higgs)
- The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (with Daniel Moult)
- The Royal College of Music (with David Graham)

plus
- Organ Shorts - interviews with distinguished players
- Pipe Organ profiles - organists introduce famous organs with which they are associated

Annual Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship Increased to $6,000

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:42:16 GMT

Application forms for candidates for the 2022 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship must be postmarked by April 30, 2022. This annual scholarship of $6,000 is offered by the Ottawa Centre, RCCO, and is intended for a Canadian graduate student in organ, studying either inside or outside Canada, who intends to use his/her skills as an organ teacher in the future. The past winners are

    2005 ‑ Craig Humber
    2006 ‑ Isabelle Demers
    2007 ‑ Michael Unger
    2008 ‑ Ryan Jackson
    2009 ‑ Matthieu Latreille
    2010 ‑ Shawn Potter
    2011 ‑ Wendy Nieuwenhuis
    2012 ‑ Stephen Boda
    2013 ‑ Sarah Svendsen
    2014 - Julie Pinsonneault
    2015 - Rachel Mahon
    2016 - Shane Murphy
    2017 - no award
    2018 - David Simon and Nicholas Walters
    2019 - Stefani Bedin
    2020 - Samuel Lee and Manuel Piazza
    2021 - Martin Jones

Information and application forms are available at www.rcco‑ottawa.ca, and further information may be obtained from Frances Macdonnell at fbmacdonnell@sympatico.ca or at 613‑726‑7984.

La Bourse Commémorative Godfrey Hewitt pour l'année 2022

Les formulaires de demandes pour la Bourse Commémorative Godfrey Hewitt 2022 devront être postés avant le 30 avril 2022. Le Centre d'Ottawa du CRCO offre cette bourse annuelle de 6 000$, destinée à un élève d'orgue avancé, étudiant au Canada ou ailleurs, et ayant l'intention d'enseigner l'orgue dans l'avenir. Les lauréat(e)s des années précédentes sont:

    2005 ‑ Craig Humber
    2006 ‑ Isabelle Demers
    2007 ‑ Michael Unger
    2008 ‑ Ryan Jackson
    2009 ‑ Matthieu Latreille
    2010 ‑ Shawn Potter
    2011 ‑ Wendy Nieuwenhuis
    2012 ‑ Stephen Boda
    2013 ‑ Sarah Svendsen
    2014 - Julie Pinsonneault
    2015 - Rachel Mahon
    2016 - Shane Murphy
    2017 - pas de bourse
    2018 - David Simon et Nicholas Walters
    2019 - Stefani Bedin
    2020 - Samuel Lee et Manuel Piazza
    2021 - Martin Jones

Les renseignements et les formulaires de demandes sont disponibles à www.rcco‑ottawa.ca. On peut aussi se renseigner auprès de Frances Macdonnell au fbmacdonnell[à]sympatico.ca ou 613‑726‑7984.

Temporary Office Closure

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 19:01:37 GMT

Due to Covid-19 restrictions recently mandated by the Ontario provincial government, the RCCO office at 201-720 Bathurst St. in Toronto will be closed as of January 5, 2022. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

During this time, the Executive Director and Office Administrator will be working remotely and will respond promptly to email and voice messages.

Call for Nominations

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:30:12 GMT

By now most of you have probably read the "Governance Reform for the RCCO" article in the latest Issue of "Organ Canada/Orgue Canada". Those who are involved on the Board of Directors and other leadership groups within the College put much thought and time into the new model. This new model provides opportunities for individuals with specific skill sets to share their expertise as a member of the Board of Directors. The final step to implementation will be the ratification of the new model by the membership at a special meeting of members in the New Year. We are confident this new structure will position the College well to sustain itself and grow into the future.

To facilitate the preparation of the slate and to ensure that the process is open to all members, the Nominating Committee is now issuing a Call for Nominations. This is truly an opportunity to contribute to the organ music community, to be challenged, and to develop and share your professional knowledge and expertise. (See below for the list of openings.) To be considered, please submit your nomination to Rick Morgan, the Chair of the Nominating Committee, at gf.rick.morgan@gmail.com no later than 11:59 PM ET on January 12, 2022.

Nominations are being sought for the following positions on the Board of Directors:

1. President
2. President-Elect
3. Director-at-Large (Chair of Marketing)
4. Director-at-Large (Chair of Advocacy)
5. Director-at-Large (Chair of Development)
6. Director-at-Large (Chair of Governance)
7. Director-at-Large (Chair of Communications)
8. Director-at-Large (Chair of Programming)

Descriptions of these positions can be found at the bottom of this message.

The RCCO Board is responsible for providing overall leadership, strategic direction and fiduciary oversight for the ongoing operation and health of the organization. The Board is run exclusively by volunteers, and Directors have a critical stewardship role. Board members act collaboratively in the achievement of the organization’s goals, in alignment with the overall strategic plan. In addition to this shared responsibility each Director has a specific role.

All Directors must be a College member, but they do not have to be a member to be nominated. As Peter Nikiforuk has stated “a majority of the Board of Directors will always be coming from the existing membership of the College”. But feel free to nominate non-members who may bring new sets of skills to our Board. Non-members will be required to become members in order to stand for election. Existing Directors may also be nominated to serve on the new Board.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

The RCCO is firmly committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity at all levels of the organization. We believe our work is enhanced by engaging a diverse community of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, opinions, and perspectives, thereby cultivating a welcoming environment of open communication, inclusion, and respect and we will strive to seek representation from BIPOC and other underrepresented and equity-seeking communities in leadership roles and throughout our organization.

President
The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall be responsible for implementing the strategic plans and policies of the Corporation. The President shall be a director, shall serve as the chair of the Board, the National Council, and of the Centre Presidents Council and subject to the authority of the Board, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation.

President-Elect
The President-Elect shall act in the place of the President in the event that the President is unable to fulfill the duties of that office, and shall act on behalf of the President when requested to do so by the President. The President-Elect shall be a director, shall serve as vice-chair of the Board and as an ex officio member of the Regional Council.

Chair of Advocacy
The Chair of Advocacy will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to raise awareness and visibility for the RCCO and the work that we do and will advocate to the public, external organizations, and governmental bodies to implement policies that will further the RCCO vision and mission.

Chair of Communications
The Chair of Communications will develop a comprehensive strategy for internal and external communications and create a communications plan that leverages and integrates all communication and social media platforms that will engage members as well as the general public.

Chair of Development
The Chair of Development is responsible for creating a comprehensive fundraising plan to secure funding through donations and fundraising initiatives that will build revenue capacity and meets the financial needs of the College. Duties include identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual donors, corporate, and/or foundation gifts and overseeing the submission of grant applications.

Chair of Governance
The Chair of Governance ensures that all governance and policy documents are up to date and that the College complies with governmental legislation to meet our regulatory and constitutional requirements. The Chair of Governance also conducts the annual board self-evaluation for the purpose of improving board effectiveness. This position requires knowledge of applicable not-for-profit legislation and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Chair of Marketing
The Chair of Marketing work collaboratively with the Board and Executive Director to design branding, positioning, and promotional material and is responsible for ensuring the RCCO brand messaging is strong and consistent across all platforms and levels of governance and will create a marketing strategy in alignment with the Strategic Plan that will reach new audiences.

Chair of Programming
The Chair of Programming will provide oversight of College programming for the purpose of strengthening existing programs, retiring underutilized or outdated programs, and developing new initiatives that align with the strategic direction, vision and mission of the College. The Chair of Programming will also serve as the Chair of the Programming Council which is comprised of the Chairs of the various College Committees.

The Organ Historical Society presents The James M. Weaver Prize in Organ Scholarship

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:07:30 GMT

The James M. Weaver Prize in Organ Scholarship celebrates and fosters scholarly research The OHS James M. Weaver Prize in Organ Scholarship celebrates and fosters the scholarly research of pipe organs, wherein finalists, through lecture and performance, illustrate the influence that provenance has on both repertoire and performance practice.

This new initiative perpetuates the story of pipe organs in the United States and Canada. Organ scholars can demonstrate their passion of an instrument through an inspired historical lectures and performances. Significant awards are available for the finalists of this Prize.

For more details and to register, please visit the website at weaver.organhistoricalsociety.org

Official Policy on COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:55:51 GMT

At its recent meeting, the Board of Directors discussed the need for an official policy with respect to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. As we are all beginning to resume in-person activities, the policy provides clarity regarding conducting and attending RCCO events, activities and meetings.

As a result, the following policy was approved:

All College and Centre events and meetings must comply with provincial, local and venue COVID-19 public health requirements and regulations.

Due to the nature of legislation concerning public health, these requirements and guidelines will vary depending on location. Please consult your local, regional, and provincial governments to determine the requirements applicable in your area.

Please do not hesitate to contact the National Office at info[at]rcco.ca or 416-929-6400 should you have any questions.

Help Strengthen Organ Music in Canada This GivingTuesday

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:50:56 GMT

We need your support! Help us raise $5,000 in the next 24 hours for...

This GivingTuesday, you can help us continue to preserve the organ’s rich musical heritage and strengthen its importance to music and culture in Canada. With your help, we can raise $5,000 by midnight! Plus, today only, CanadaHelps will add $2 to every gift of $20 we receive.*

If you've been following our daily posts on social media, you'll know that your donation will help us continue to:

provide scholarships and prizes for organ study
advocate for the pipe organ and attract new audiences through our FutureStops initiative
grow and advance the Summer Organ Academy
bring discovery and fun to children across Canada with OrgelkidsCAN
support Canadian organists through our examinations program

The RCCO is 112 years old and looking forward to the future. We are the ultimate resource in Canada for all things organ. Every donation we receive helps us to continue providing our core services, and implement new initiatives that will help us to grow and evolve in the 21st century.

Your personal gift will go towards supporting Canadian musicians and composers, developing new talent in the organ music world, introducing new audiences to the transformative power of the pipe organ and so much more.

Will you help us by making your #GivingTuesday gift today?

Not able to donate this year? Help us spread the word to your friends and family! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for campaign content, organ news and progress on our goal.

We can only continue our work with your help.

As always, thank you for supporting the Royal Canadian College of Organists and being a part of our community.

* Terms and Conditions

Sincerely,

Peter Nikiforuk
President

We're Hiring a Social Media Marketer / Event Coordinator!

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 15:41:47 GMT

Job Posting: Social Media Marketer / Event Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) is seeking a skilled and passionate Social Media Marketer/Event Coordinator for a 10-month contract in support of an exciting contemporary music initiative.

Candidates must have professional experience as both a social media marketer and event coordinator.

This position will support and promote the RCCO’s FutureStops initiative, which includes the FutureStops Podcast, the (evolving) FutureStops web platform (futurestops.org), and an ambitious and cross-disciplinary FutureStops eSymposium to be held in September, 2022. At the beginning of this contract we anticipate that Social Media Marketing duties will require approximately 80% of the hours associated with this position, with 20% used to support the eSymposium coordination. Gradually we expect this ratio to be reversed, with planning requirements for the eSymposium taking up more and more time as the eSymposium approaches. The 4-6 weeks leading up to and during the eSymposium are expected to be especially demanding.

FutureStops - the 21st Century Organ Experience is an initiative of The Royal Canadian College of Organists. The FutureStops project will connect new audiences with the organ and its music by creating innovative organ-centric culturally-specific experiences designed for digital discovery, sharing and interaction, and will ultimately expand citizen awareness of, and appreciation for, the organ and its musical community.

Key Duties Social Media Marketing:

Grow and expand FutureStops social media presence, reach and impact on new social media platforms, and increase it on existing platforms
Plan and implement effective social media marketing strategies, using both tried-and-true and innovative tactics
Create, schedule, post and monitor a steady stream of engaging social media content
Track and evaluate social media performance and iterate to improve outcomes
Identify and pursue potent social media partnerships and collaborations (content sharing, co-branding, takeovers, champions and influencers, contests, etc.)
Manage comments, answer questions, solicit user-generated content and engage constructively with digital community to maximize engagement and loyalty
Update the Future Stops website
Manage targeted online ad buys as needed
Identify contentious issues or trolls or other problems and share with RCCO leadership

Key Duties Event Coordination:

Collaborate closely with the FutureStops eSymposium Curator to:

Help map and manage all eSymposium production logistics
Help manage venue, vendor and artist contracts
Manage event registrations and attendee liaison
Help manage volunteers
Help track expenses
Coordinate both online and IRL lectures, workshops and panels
Support Curator in coordinating live concerts
Liaise with A/V and other production support teams
Help manage media outreach and event marketing

Skills and Qualifications:

Holistic thinker, tactical planner, results-oriented doer
Proven experience as event coordinator
A proven track record of organizing successful events
Clear and confident communicator
Excellent people skills (friendly, good listener, empathetic, etc.)
Excellent organization and multi-tasking skills
Ability to handle stress and remain calm
Proactive and creative problem-solving
Ability to develop and implement creative and effective social media marketing strategies
Ability to write/create effective social media posts
Basic graphic design skills (ie ability to work with templates in Photoshop)
Online community management
Familiarity with social media management tools (HootSuite, Google analytics, facebook ad manager, etc.) and popular web platforms (Instagram, Discord, WordPress, Twitch, etc.)
Hands-on can-do attitude
Honest, ethical, reliable, respectful, responsive
Ability to work well with others, including experience working with diverse communities
Experience working with musicians or cultural sector preferred

Organizational Profile:

Terms:

This position pays $30.00 per hour. From January through June 2022 the workload will be 25 hours per week. From July 1 through October 14 2022 the workload will be 40 hours per week.

Location:

Initially, the successful candidate will be working remotely but closer to and during the event will be working on location in Toronto.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a resume, 3 references and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages stating clearly why they want this position and what strengths they will bring to it to Elizabeth Shannon at execdirector[at]rcco.ca no later than November 22, 2021.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

New OAC program supports careers of young professional artists

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:20:34 GMT

New OAC program supports careers of young professional artists

Toronto, November 3, 2021 – The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has established Career Catalyst: Project Grants for New Generation Artists, a $1 million grant program for professional artists aged 18 to 30. The program supports activities that will help build career momentum as individual artists recover from pandemic-related challenges.

Program details and applications are now available through OAC’s website.

The grants for this one-time program are set at $2,000 each. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2021. Applications will be reviewed through a streamlined peer assessment process, and applicants will be notified of results approximately 12 weeks after the program deadline.

Please forward this bulletin to any professional artists you think might be eligible.

This program is open to professional artists who are aged 18 to 30 (at the time of their application) who can demonstrate that they have a professional practice in any discipline or activity funded by OAC. It is the only OAC program dedicated to New Generation Artists, one of six OAC priority groups.

Eligible activities include:

Skills development through training and mentorship,
Marketing and promotion,
Purchase of artist materials and supplies,
Software and hardware upgrades,
Studio or workspace upgrades,
Artist’s website development.

Artists new to OAC grant programs who may have had limited access to public arts funding are encouraged to apply.

Proposals with the potential to benefit an applicant’s career in the long term will be prioritized.

The program will also prioritize New Generation artists who are also members of other OAC priority groups (artists of colour, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, Francophone artists, Indigenous artists, and artists living in regions outside Toronto).

Learn more about the Career Catalyst: Project Grants for New Generation Artists program.

For specific questions, please contact:

Zhe Gu
Officer
416-969-7459
Toll-free in Ontario: 1-800-387-0058
zgu@arts.on.ca

Shawna Caspi
Program Administrator
416-646-7469
Toll-free in Ontario: 1-800-387-0058
scaspi@arts.on.ca

For general information about OAC, please contact:

Kirsten Gunter
Director of Communications
416-969-7403
Toll-free in Ontario: 1-800-387-0058
kgunter@arts.on.ca

Congratulations to Aaron Tan, CIOC 2021 First Prize Winner!

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:43:21 GMT

Congratulations to Aaron Tan (Canada / Philippines) for winning first prize at this year's Canadian International Organ Competition! Aaron was also awarded the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Award, the Marcel Dupré Award and RCCO's Raymond Daveluy Prize.

Aaron is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and is Organist and Director of Music at St. Alban’s Catholic Church (Ordinariate in Rochester, NY). He holds MM and MMA degrees from Yale University and also holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Michigan.

Annual General Meeting Materials Now Available Online

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:16:03 GMT

The meeting materials for the 2021 Annual General Meeting (to be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021) are now available on the Members Discussion Forum on rcco.ca.

To access the forum and the meeting materials, you must first log in to your account on rcco.ca, then click on 'Members Discussion Forum' under the 'Members' drop down menu at the top of the page.

Please note that the Zoom link for the meeting will also be shared on the discussion forum on Friday, November 5, 2021.

2022 Salary Table Available

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:25:15 GMT

The RCCO's 2022 Table of Recommended Salaries is now available. It can be found on the Table of Recommended Salaries webpage, or directly by clicking here.

The RCCO Releases New Strategic Plan

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 16:38:46 GMT

Read here to learn about how we will strengthen our organization, increase existing resources and implement new initiatives for Canada's organ music community.

Masterclass Examination Series now available on YouTube

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:03:27 GMT

Our new Examination Masterclass Series is now available on the RCCO YouTube channel! This series is comprised of 11 videos, in which esteemed Canadian organists help examination candidates prepare and succeed in the skills needed for the practical section of the College and Associate examinations, and for the Service Playing and Worship Accompanist Certificates.

Subscribe to the RCCO's YouTube channel to keep up to date on our latest video releases!

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2021 National Organ Playing Competition!

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:36:31 GMT

For more information on this year's National Organ Playing Competition and its winners, Click Here

LAST DAY for the Summer Organ Academy program!

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 17:00:00 GMT

From her studio (photo) Lead Instructor Valerie L. Hall has been instructing students who are seeking professional development that aims at the playing level of the Service Playing Examination.

Engaging topics include:

1. Session on body mechanics at the organ and why practicing at the piano might be better for your general health.

2. Universally hated exercises for playing legato involving two moving parts in one hand.

3. Learning to avoid the crescendo pedal and what happens to organists who accidentally use it!

4. What happens in the audience while the organist searches for the next registration.

5. Upcoming session on The Digital Church with Steve Millar and Chellan Hoffman.

More information at https://www.rcco.ca/Summer-Organ-Academy

ARCCO Examination Preparation program off to a GREAT start!

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:47:00 GMT

The 2021 ARCCO Examination Preparation program (Summer Organ Academy) is off to a wonderful start!

So far this year’s 13 students, studying under lead instructor Aaron James, have discussed general organ technique and improvisation skills, the study of pipe organ anatomy, and baroque repertoire and improvisation techniques.

The ARCCO program runs until August 5th, check out this year's curriculum! https://rcco.ca/resources/PDFs/Summer...

Thank you to Aaron who has kindly provided us with a brilliant performance of one of the possible List C pieces for the 2022 ARCCO examination. Please enjoy Duruflé's Fugue sur le carillon des heures dans le cathédrale de Soissons, op. 12!

Summer Organ Academy for Youth Organists Wraps Up

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:34:05 GMT

Congratulations to all the young organists who participated in this year’s Summer Organ Academy for Youth Organists!

Creativity was front and center at this year’s Academy as students ages 12-17 were involved in a week-long series of virtual collaborative projects and masterclasses. Thank you to lead instructor Sarah Svendsen and to this year’s star-studded group of guest artists/instructors Katelyn Emerson, Kim Farris-Manning, Wesley Hall, Mark McDonald, Jeff McLeod, Jonathan Oldengarm, and Patricia Wright.

We hope that you will join us or recommend a young organist that you know to next year’s 2022 Summer Organ Academy. For more Information on the Academy and other educational resources, please visit ‘Education’ at www.rcco.ca.

Lastly, thank you to academy participant Cadence Brassard for sharing with us her performance and arrangement of Bad Romance by Lady Gaga!

Congratulations to the successful exam candidates of 2021!

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:36:46 GMT

Congratulations to the successful exam candidates of 2021:

    Elizabeth Booker, Service Playing
    Charlie Eaton, Service Playing
    Maximilian Wilczynski, Service Playing

These candidates will be recognized at Convocation, to be held over Zoom on August 12 during Organ Festival Canada 2021 (not August 1, as was originally stated in the July edition of Continuo).

We are also pleased to present the successful exam candidates of 2020 at this year's Convocation, as there was no Convocation last year due to COVID. They are:

    Ryan Baxter, ARCCO
    George Langley, CRCCO
    Krisitana Renée Nikkel, CRCCO

Prizes and Awards:

Maximilian Wilczynski will be awarded the Kathleen William's Prize for the highest mark in the Service Playing examination, and Ryan Baxter will be awarded the Willan Prize, the Wayne C. Vance Prize, the Rollinson Prize and the Ruth and Ralph Barker Prize for his outstanding results in the ARCCO examination.

Thank you to all of the candidates and their teachers for their hard work and dedication in 2020 and 2021!

We hope you will join us at Convocation on August 12, 2021 to help us recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of all of our exam candidates and prize winners.

Amiel Elfert awarded the 2021 Lorna and Murray Holmes Scholarship

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:23:23 GMT

We are pleased to announce Amiel Elfert as the winner of the 2021 Lorna and Murray Holmes Scholarship! He will begin a Bachelor of Music (Organ) at the University of Victoria this September, studying with Donald Hunt and Mark McDonald.

This scholarship, established in memory of Lorna and Murray Holmes, provides $1,000 to a student entering a program of organ or church music studies at a Canadian university.

Congratulations, Amiel!

Diversity and Inclusion and Non-Discrimination Statements, Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:34:09 GMT

We are pleased to announce that on May 25 the Board of Directors approved the following statements:

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

The RCCO is firmly committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity at all levels of the organization. We believe our work is enhanced by engaging a diverse community of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, opinions, and perspectives, thereby cultivating a welcoming environment of open communication, inclusion, and respect and we will strive to seek representation from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour and other underrepresented and equity-seeking communities in leadership roles and throughout our organization.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

It is the policy of the RCCO not to discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability. The RCCO has implemented a written Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy and all RCCO directors, employees and volunteers must comply with that policy in the course of their duties on behalf of the RCCO.

To provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment, the Board of Directors also implemented a written Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy. To read the full document, please click here.

Martin Jones awarded both the 2021 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize and the 2021 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship!

Mon, 31 May 2021 14:45:11 GMT

It is with much excitement that we announce Martin Jones as the 2021 winner of both the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize and the Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship!

Martin Jones graduated in 2021 from Rice University with a BMus in organ, studying with Professor Ken Cowan. He also studied harpsichord with Mario Aschauer. In the fall of 2021, he is enrolling in the Leipzig Hochschule für Musik und Theater for a Masters of organ performance where he will study with Martin Schmeding. Click here for a full biography of Martin Jones.

Funded by the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation and administered by the RCCO, the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize is a prestigious award of $7,500 given in memory of Canada’s preeminent musician from the 1920s through the 1950s.

The Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship was established to honour the late Godfrey Hewitt and is administered by the RCCO's Ottawa Centre. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an advanced organ student to support further courses of study.

Congratulations, Martin!

We are saddened to announce the passing of friend and colleague Mark Toews

Tue, 25 May 2021 15:28:30 GMT

Dear Friends,

We are saddened to share news of the death of Past President, Mark Toews. Mark was diagnosed with cancer last fall. He remained positive through treatment regimens but succumbed to his illness on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Aaron James, President of the Toronto Centre sums up Mark's contributions to the RCCO and the organist community in Canada as follows:

"Mark has been a leading figure in the RCCO for many decades, serving in numerous roles in the organization including President of the Toronto Centre, President of the College (2002-2004) and Chair of the 2009 Centennial Organ Festival. A distinguished performer, he earned the DMA degree at the University of Michigan and was heard widely in concert in Canada, the United States, and England. Many of us are familiar with his CD Variations Plus recorded on his instrument at Lawrence Park Community Church, featuring the music of Bach, Bonnet, and Dupré along with a number of Canadian compositions including Eleanor Daley's trinitas, commissioned for the inauguration of the Lawrence Park organ. Mark was especially well known as an outstanding organ teacher, mentoring numerous young students many of whom have gone on to have prominent careers as performers in Toronto and elsewhere. All of us in the Toronto Centre are the beneficiaries of his leadership, wisdom, and generosity of spirit."

Our condolences go Mark's family, friends and the congregation of Lawrence Park Community Church in Toronto.

Sincerely,

Dr. Peter Nikiforuk
President, The Royal Canadian College of Organists

Summer Organ Academy Registration Deadline is May 31, 2021

Fri, 21 May 2021 15:42:13 GMT

The deadline to register for Summer Organ Academy 2021 is coming up on May 31st! Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn online this summer by registering for one of our three program streams: Youth Organist, Church Organist or ARCCO Examination Preparation. Access to a pipe organ is not required for any of the programs, and students can practice and complete all assignments using a digital organ, piano, or an electric keyboard. Read on for more information on each program!

Youth Organist

Dates: July 12 - 16 (from 12:00 PM ET - 3:30 PM ET daily)
Cost: $320.00
Lead Instructor: Sarah Svendsen

This stream is intended for young organists (ages 12-17) seeking knowledge and skill enrichment. Each day of the program includes 2 hours of lectures and masterclasses, 1 hour for collaborative project work, a 10-minute guest performance and 20 minutes of social and Q&A time. Daily topics include intro to improvisation, audience engagement, collaborative projects, jazz improvisation, intro to transcriptions, plus a wide array of repertoire study. Click here for the complete daily outline!

Register

Church Organist

Dates: July 19, 21, 26, 28 and August 4 and 6 (from 12:45 PM ET - 2:30 PM ET daily)
Cost: $250.00
Lead Instructor: Valerie Hall

This stream is intended for the community organist seeking professional development, and is aimed at the playing level of the Service Playing Examination. Daily topics include technique, registration, accompanying, score interpretation, the digital church, and music and liturgy. The complete daily outline is available here. Each day includes 90 minutes of class time plus 15 minutes to chat with your instructor and fellow students. Participants are also invited to submit up to 4 videos to be viewed by the instructor, with one video from each participant being screened during the academy.

Register

ARCCO Examination Preparation

Dates: July 20, 22, 27, 29 and August 3 and 5 (from 2:00 PM ET - 3:30 PM ET daily)
Cost: $250.00
Lead Instructor: Aaron James

This stream is intended for undergraduate or advanced high school organists who are seeking training geared towards the ARCCO exam, particularly keyboard skills and improvisation. Taught by the Chair of the RCCO's Examinations Committee, Aaron James, daily topics include practice strategies, pipe organ anatomy, open score reading, applied keyboard skills, organ history, careers, and a broad array of repertoire study. The complete daily outline is available here. Each day includes 90 minutes of class time and 15 minutes for socializing. Participants are also invited to submit 5 “homework assignments” as short videos which will be viewed by the instructor. The instructor will hold virtual office hours each week where students can receive individual and hands-on feedback on their work.

Now Hiring Summer Positions: Administrative Coordinator & Marketing Coordinator

Mon, 10 May 2021 16:08:37 GMT

The RCCO is hiring two temporary, part-time positions through the Canada Summer Jobs program.* It is expected that the successful candidates will be working remotely. The application deadline for both positions is May 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET. Please click on the job titles below for full job descriptions and application instructions:

Administrative Coordinator

Marketing Coordinator

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons identifying as visible minorities and indigenous heritage. All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

Help Support the 2021 National Organ Playing Competition Candidates

Mon, 03 May 2021 14:43:03 GMT

The RCCO is delighted to announce that 6 talented young organists have been selected to compete in the 2021 National Organ Playing Competition (NOPC).

Please join us in supporting these talented young organists. Thanks to the generous pledges of several supporters of the NOPC, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar to help us reach our fundraising goal. Click here for more information.

Registration Open for Organ Festival Canada: Hamilton, 2021

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:45:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that registration for Organ Festival Canada: Hamilton, 2021 is now open! This year's Festival takes place online from August 8-13. The Festival's dynamic programme features world-class organists, award-winning choirs, engaging clinicians, and chances to socialize with colleagues.

Please visit rccofestival2021.ca to read more about this year's programme and register.

The RCCO Remembers His Royal Highness Prince Philip

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 18:24:43 GMT

We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and extend our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family. Prince Philip devoted his life to duty, volunteerism, and service and will be remembered for the establishment of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, a world-wide program to encourage and recognize the achievements of youth the world over including more than 500,000 Canadians.

The 2021-2022 Membership Renewal Period is Open!

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 17:53:02 GMT

The 2020-2021 membership renewal period is now open! Renew before May 31 to ensure you get the most out of the membership year. Please note that external memberships and magazine subscriptions are only available until May 31.

For detailed instructions on renewing your membership online, please click here.

Registration Open for the 2021 Summer Organ Academy!

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:17:07 GMT

Featuring an innovative new curriculum that will be delivered entirely virtually, this year's Academy offers a wide range of learning opportunities in three programs of study:

Young Organist, July 12-16, 3 hours per day (for the experienced organist ages 12-17)
ARCCO Examination Preparation, July 20 - August 5, 6 x 90 min. sessions
Church Organist, July 19 - August 6, 6 x 90 min. sessions (includes preparation for the Service Playing Certificate)

Regular access to an organ is not required. Participants will submit pre-recorded performances for masterclasses and can complete all exercises at a piano or electric keyboard. Click here to read the full details and register!

RCCO Member Honored with Playing at Walter Gretzky's Funeral

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:22:01 GMT

Alison Clark, long-time member of the RCCO, was honored to play the organ for Walter Gretzky's funeral this past Saturday, March 6, 2021. Alison's playing can be heard at the 1:39 mark in the below video.

Mandated Piece & Organ Specs for National Organ Playing Competition

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:31:27 GMT

The mandated piece for the final round of the National Organ Playing Competition has now been announced as organ fantasia 'Our Hope for a Better Tomorrow' by composer John Laing.

Click here to read the composer's note on the work and view an excerpt of the piece.

Click here to read the specifications of the organs that will be used in the competition.

The above information is also available anytime on the National Competition page, as well as instructions on how to register to participate in this year's Competition.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the SOCAN Foundation in the commissioning of this year's mandated piece.

Call for Submissions for the RCO's interNational Organ Day 2021

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:29:44 GMT

On April 24, 2021 the Royal College of Organists will be hosting interNational Organ Day, an online celebration of organists as one global family. The event will be webcast live from London, UK and will feature live performances, celebrity guests and a series of videos submitted by organists around the world showing what it means to be an organist in their country, region or town.

If you would like to submit a video about yourself as a Canadian organists for interNational Organ Day 2021, please click here for tips on making a recording and instructions on sending in your submission!

Register for Exams Online!

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:55:02 GMT

Brand new for 2021, the registration process for RCCO examinations has now moved online! Click here to read the instructions and register today, or click on 'Online Exam Registration' under the Education drop-down menu.

Exam applications (accompanied by membership fees for non-members) must completed by March 15. Worship Accompanist and Service Playing examinations to be submitted by recording may be made at any time.

Please note that the 2021 examination session will be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to proceed with in-person examinations, however this will be dependant on public health restrictions. Details will be communicated to candidates as they become available.

3 Major Scholarships Available in 2021

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:12:26 GMT

We are pleased to announce that three of the RCCO's major National and Centre scholarships are open for application this year:

The Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize
The Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship
The Walter MacNutt Scholarship

You can read more about these prestigious opportunities for artistic and professional development below, and don't forget to check out the Scholarships page where you'll find even more opportunities!

Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize

Amount: $7,500
Application deadline: April 30, 2021

Funded by the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation and administered by the RCCO, this prestigious award is given in memory of Canada’s preeminent musician from the 1920s through the 1950s. The prize supports the artistic development and career advancement of a young organist; it may be used to assist with travel, a workshop or study program, participation in a festival or competition, or other relevant purposes. Click here for more information and application details.

The Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship

Amount: $5,000
Application deadline: April 30, 2021

The Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship was established honour Godfrey Hewitt's memory and to increase the number of highly-trained professional Canadian organists, not only to serve as organists in universities, concert halls, and churches, but also to teach future generations of performers. Click here for more information and application details.

The Walter MacNutt Scholarship

Amount: $5,000
Application deadline: April 30, 2021

The Walter MacNutt Scholarship has been instituted to honour and perpetuate the memory and legacy of Walter MacNutt—Canadian composer, organist, and choirmaster—by nurturing the development of the accomplished and dedicated liturgical musician. Click here for more information and application details.

Applications Open for the 2021 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:06:01 GMT

Application forms for candidates for the 2021 Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Scholarship must be postmarked by April 30, 2021. This annual scholarship of $5,000 is offered by the Ottawa Centre, RCCO, and is intended for a Canadian graduate student in organ, studying either inside or outside Canada, who intends to use his/her skills as an organ teacher in the future. The past winners are:

2005 - Craig Humber
2006 - Isabelle Demers
2007 - Michael Unger
2008 - Ryan Jackson
2009 - Matthieu Latreille
2010 - Shawn Potter
2011 - Wendy Nieuwenhuis
2012 - Stephen Boda
2013 - Sarah Svendsen
2014 - Julie Pinsonneault
2015 - Rachel Mahon
2016 - Shane Murphy
2017 - no award
2018 - David Simon and Nicholas Walters
2019 - Stefani Bedin
2020 - Samuel Lee and Manuel Piazza

Information and application forms are available at www.rcco-ottawa.ca, and further information maybe obtained from Frances Macdonnell at fbmacdonnell@sympatico.ca or at 613-726-7984.

-----

La Bourse Commémorative Godfrey Hewitt pour l'année 2021

Les formulaires de demandes pour la Bourse Commémorative Godfrey Hewitt 2020 devront être postés avant le 30 avril 2021. Le Centre d'Ottawa du CRCO offre cette bourse annuelle de 5 000$, destinée à un élève d'orgue avancé, étudiant au Canada ou ailleurs, et ayant l'intention d'enseigner l'orgue dans l'avenir. Les lauréat(e)s des années précédentes sont:

2005 - Craig Humber
2006 - Isabelle Demers
2007 - Michael Unger
2008 - Ryan Jackson
2009 - Matthieu Latreille
2010 - Shawn Potter
2011 - Wendy Nieuwenhuis
2012 - Stephen Boda
2013 - Sarah Svendsen
2014 - Julie Pinsonneault
2015 - Rachel Mahon
2016 - Shane Murphy
2017 - pas de bourse
2018 - David Simon et Nicholas Walters
2019 - Stefani Bedin
2020 - Samuel Lee and Manuel Piazza

Les renseignements et les formulaires de demandes sont disponibles à www.rcco-ottawa.ca. On peut aussi se renseigner auprès de Frances Macdonnell au fbmacdonnell@sympatico.ca ou 613-726-7984.

Temporary Closure of National Office

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:19:27 GMT

In accordance with Ontario provincial government regulations, the National Office at 15 Case Goods Lane in Toronto will be closed as of December 26. The Executive Director and Office Administrator continue to work remotely, and will respond to email and voice messages. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Please note that the National Office will also be closed for the Christmas holidays from December 24 - January 3.

Applications Open for 2021 National Organ Playing Competition - Deadline Extended

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 14:22:19 GMT

The RCCO is currently accepting applications for the 2021 National Organ Playing Competition, to be held during Organ Festival Canada 2021 in Hamilton, Ontario. The deadline to apply has been extended to March 15, 2021. Please click here for application information.

RCCO Organ Truck Fundraising Campaign

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 18:04:40 GMT

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is excited to announce the launch of a fundraising campaign for an Organ Truck! The Organ Truck will bring organ music to the public by presenting outdoor concerts at popular pedestrian locations, nursing homes, and to underserved communities across southern Ontario.

The RCCO Organ Truck will be our way of giving back to our community while raising the profile of the organ and the people who play it. Each concert will be under an hour and will feature organists from the local area playing music for people who may be hearing, and seeing, an organ for the first time!

Starting on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) and throughout the giving season, the RCCO will be raising funds to help make our vision a reality. Our goal is to raise $5,000 before December 31. Donations can be made online on by clicking here or by contacting us at info[at]rcco.ca. (Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.) Please consider supporting this project if you able. Each and every gift is deeply appreciated.

Election of Directors 2020

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:23:34 GMT

The following candidates have been elected to the Board of Directors by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting on October 24, 2020:

Office		Candidate
President		Peter Nikiforuk (Waterloo-Wellington ON)
Vice President		Chellan Hoffman (Calgary AB)
Vice President		Thomas Leslie (Montreal QC)
Registrar		Norma Blanchet (Saint John NB)
Secretary		Patrick Carter (Hamilton ON)
Regional Director - Region 1		Margaret Machum (Halifax NS)
Regional Director - Region 8		Sandra Fletcher (Victoria BC)

New Online Resource: Buy & Sell Forum

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 18:57:31 GMT

The RCCO is pleased to announce the creation of a brand-new online resource -- the Buy & Sell Forum! On the Buy & Sell Forum, anyone can post advertisements for organs or other music-related items that are being offered or sought. This service is offered free of charge and is open to the public. For more information, check out the new webpage here!

Honorary Patron Angela Hewitt Receives Bach Medal

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:31:14 GMT

Congratulations to Honorary Patron ⁦‪Angela Hewitt on receiving the Bach Medal in Leipzig and thank you for your sublime performance of the Goldberg Variations (available online at here.) So much joy and love. Such a gift.

Online Concert: Matthew Larkin plays Louis Vierne

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:43:28 GMT

The RCCO Hamilton Centre is pleased to announce that renowned organist Matthew Larkin is presenting a virtual concert of the music of Louis Vierne, recorded at the the organ of St. George’s Cathedral in Kingston. Maestro Larkin will also provide commentaries on his selected pieces.

The virtual concert is available as of this Friday, November 20 at 7:30 PM ET.

On the program:

Symphonie no. 1 op. 14 24 pièces en style libre: Arabesque, Pastorale, Berceuse, Elégie, Carillon
Pièces de fantaisie suite no 1 op 51: Prelude
Pièces de fantaisie suite no 2 op 53: Hymne au soleil
Pièces de fantaisie suite no 4 op 55: Cathédrales
Pièces de fantaisie suite no 3 op 54: Carillon de Westminster

Join on Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Purchase your access to the online concert here.

Entry is $20. Once you have purchased your ticket, you will receive a link to view the video.

Good news, if you cannot attend the premiere on Friday, November 20, starting at 7:30 PM ET, the concert can be viewed at any time afterwards. Just use the link above to purchase your access code.

Help us promote this great concert and pass this information along to your friends. (Just don't give the link to the video for free.)

Upcoming Online Halloween Concerts

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 17:15:54 GMT

Please see below for information from the Hamilton, Toronto and Victoria Centres regarding their upcoming online Halloween concerts:

Hamilton Centre

Our Halloween concert is taking place online this year.

Thanks to several of our dear colleagues, this program is absolutely fantastic.

Join on October 30 at 7:00 p.m. at https://youtu.be/ywkOmgDBkmc

This is a fundraiser for the 2021 Organ Festival, so please share widely and help with a generous donation.

Toronto Centre

Our annual "Phantoms of the Organ" is happening on Friday, October 30th at 8 pm. For more information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/340927733784386.

A YouTube trailer is also available at https://youtu.be/v_qHHRHj7aY.

Victoria Centre

Do you like music from Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars and the famous d-minor organ toccata? We’ve got you covered!

On Saturday, October 31, 2020 put on your favourite Halloween costume, grab a tasty beverage, some yummy snacks, and then sit down in your favourite comfy chair and join us online (via Facebook) at 6:00pm PDT for a live-streamed Halloween organ concert!

Eight fabulous organists on 6 different instruments in Alberta and B.C. will perform a variety of “spook-tacular” music suitable for audiences of all ages.

Check out this live-streamed concert via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/654202658823581

For more information about the Victoria Centre and this event, go to:

Website: http://rcco-victoria.org

Facebook: Royal Canadian Centre of Organists – Victoria Centre

Instagram: @rccovictoria

Twitter: RCCOVictoria

2020 Diplomas Awarded

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:19:16 GMT

Congratulations to the successful 2020 examination candidates! We are very pleased to award the following diplomas:

Ryan Baxter, ARCCO

George Langley, CRCCO

Kristiana Renée Nikkel, CRCCO

Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation Prize: 2021 Information and Deadline

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:53:03 GMT

The prize will support the artistic development and career advancement of a young organist; it may be used to assist with travel, a workshop or study program, participation in a festival or competition, or other relevant purposes.

Candidates should be at an advanced stage of their musical education, under thirty years of age at April 30, 2021, and should hold either Canadian citizenship or permanent residency of Canada. They should also be members of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

The winner will be selected by recorded audition and references, adjudicated by a jury of representatives from the RCCO and the wider musical world. The jury may withhold its recommendation if it considers no applicant is of sufficiently high artistic standard.

The application deadline is April 30, 2021.

Click here for an application form.

Click here to read more about the Prize.

Click here for information on the Sir Ernest MacMillan Foundation.

Annual General Meeting: Saturday, October 24, 2020

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 13:46:30 GMT

All members are cordially invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Canadian College of Organists / le Collège royal canadien des organists.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2020

Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET

Location: Meeting to be held by teleconference via Zoom (link will be posted on the Members Forum on the RCCO website on October 23, 2020.)

The Agenda, Annual Report, Financial Documents and Notice of Motion to confirm the amendment to By-law 3.09 as enacted by the Board of Directors on September 23, 2020 is now available on the Members Discussion Forum page of the RCCO website at https://rcco.ca/page-18488. (You must be logged in to view the meeting materials.)

We look forward to seeing you on online on October 24, 2020.

FutureStops Podcast Available Now!

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:53:33 GMT

The FutureStops podcast is now live! Our first episode was released on September 15, and we hope you will give it a listen.

In Episode 1, host Blake Hargreaves speaks with renowned organist Olivier Latry and organ builder Bertrand Cattiaux about the restoration, history and future of the great organ at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris following the devastating fire in April 2019.

Pictured above: Olivier Latry, Titular Organist at Notre Dame Cathedral

Episode 2 will be released on September 29, and features Blake’s coverage of the first note change in seven years in the world’s longest lasting pipe organ performance – As Slow As Possible by John Cage at the Saint Buchardi Church in Halberstadt, Germany.

You can listen to the podcast on the FutureStops website at futurestops.org or wherever you get your podcasts, including through the following links:

For more information about the show and to keep up to date with the latest news, follow FutureStops on social media:

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Online Forum recording and resources

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:24:01 GMT

A big thank you to all of the panelists who spoke at the RCCO's first online Forum yesterday. Your words of advice and support were greatly appreciated, and we are grateful to everyone for sharing their experiences with us during this challenging time.

If you were unable to attend the Forum live, or would like to go back and review it, the recording is now available to watch online at https://youtu.be/ob2j3zV1E2I.

To view and download the slides from Dr. Allison McGeer's presentation, please click here.

Dr. McGeer has also provided links to two online resources mentioned in her presentation:

"COVID-19 Transmission Risks from Singing and Playing Wind Instruments – What We Know So Far" - Public Health Ontario

Coronavirus (COVID-19) website - US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

If you have any questions or feedback regarding the Forum, please contact Hayley Raymond, Office Administrator at info@rcco.ca.

Survey Results: COVID-19 Impact on Canadian Organists

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:39:57 GMT

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent online survey. Your responses were instrumental in helping us identify the most important topics of discussion for our upcoming online forum, COVID-19 Impact on Canadian Organists. To see a summary of the survey responses, please click here.

The online forum will take place on Wednesday, August 12. 2020 at 1:00 PM ET via Zoom. The registration link will be sent out shortly. Please note that there is a cap of 100 attendees who can join live, so please register as soon as possible. For those unable to attend live, the forum will also be recorded and made available for viewing after the event.

Our panelists are:

Dr. Peter Nikiforuk: Director of Music at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener and on the faculty of the Beckett School at Wilfrid Laurier University. and President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Dr. Allison McGeer: Canadian infectious disease specialist in the Sinai Health System, a Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and a Senior Clinician Scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.

Chellan Hoffman: Music Director at Knox United Church in downtown Calgary, teaches organ privately and through Mount Royal University Conservatory, is Vice President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and serves as Chair of the Editorial Committee (Organ Canada).

Matthew Fraser: Young organist beginning studies this fall at the University of Toronto towards a Bachelor of Music in Performance and Junior Organ Scholar at Metropolitan United Church, Toronto alongside Dr. Patricia Wright.

Katherine Hume: Private piano teacher, church organist, music educator, frequent performer and collaborator with 30 years experience and Music Director at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt, BC.

Fred Graham: Retired organist, Associate Professor Emeritus of Emmanuel College, U of T and Chair of the Professional Support Committee at the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Congratulations to Stefani Bedin, winner of the 2020 John Goss Memorial Scholarship

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:30:28 GMT

The RCCO is pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 John Goss Memorial Scholarship as Stefani Bedin, by unanimous decision of the Jury. Stefani Bedin is currently working towards the Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Organ) degree at the University of Toronto, where she studies with Dr. Kevin Komisaruk.

Congratulations to Rebecca Lee, winner of the 2020 Lorna and Murray Holmes Scholarship

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:29:01 GMT

The RCCO is pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 Lorna and Murray Holmes Scholarship as Rebecca Lee, by unanimous decision of the Scholarships and Bursaries Committee. Rebecca Lee begins the Bachelor of Music in Performance (Organ) degree at McGill University this September.

A 70th Birthday Present from Denis Bédard!

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:39:40 GMT

Earlier this year, internationally-regarded organist-composer Denis Bédard turned 70 – a milestone that would have been celebrated together by organists from across the country at Organ Festival Canada – Victoria, BC in July. Indeed, Bédard was due to have given the premiere of his Fantasia alla marcia (commissioned by the Festival) in a celebratory recital on July 9.

Sadly, the festival had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. So in lieu of an in-person premiere, the composer has kindly agreed to give this piece its first performance by video (as one of four special events in Organ Festival Canada Online - https://www.facebook.com/rcco.ca/). As a special birthday gift from Denis Bédard and Organ Festival Canada to the RCCO membership and festival registrants, you can click here to access a preview score to this new work. Please feel free to print a copy and add it to your repertory. But remember: No sneaky premieres until after the premiere event! (https://www.facebook.com/events/1169267320094313/)

Of this new piece, the composer writes:

Fantasia alla marcia was composed in October 2019. Written in a Neo-romantic style, it is in four sections, the first being a very joyful and rhythmic march and the second featuring a tranquil melody on a solo stop. Then follow first a short interlude on the Celestes and finally a repeat of the first section culminating in a brilliant coda, which displays the full splendour of the organ.

La Fantasia alla marcia fut composée en octobre 2019. De style néo-romantique, elle se compose de quatre parties : une première section très joyeuse et rythmée, en forme de marche; une deuxième section plus tranquille, très mélodique et faisant chanter un jeu solo; un court interlude sur la voix céleste, suivi de la reprise de la première section, amplifiée d'une brillante coda faisant sonner l'orgue dans toute sa splendeur.

Denis Bédard

Podcast Producer Wanted!

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:00:50 GMT

Podcast Producer Wanted!

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is seeking a producer for its new FutureStops Podcast which will explore the 21st century organ experience in all of its dimensions.

The FutureStops Podcast will focus on innovation, collaboration and experimentation in relation to the organ and will aim to reach both existing and new audiences for contemporary organ music. The Podcast Producer will work closely with the host and the Executive Producer to shape and create the content of the podcast.

The successful candidate will:

Have a professional attitude and approach
Be a strong and detail-oriented project manager
Be passionate about the arts, especially music
Have audio production expertise and experience
Be a supportive and engaged team player
Understand how to create meaningful and compelling stories in sound
Be boldly creative, flexible, organized, reliable, articulate and digitally savvy
Be able to relate to and connect with music lovers in their 20s and 30s
Be comfortable working remotely

If you would like to be considered for this paid part-time position, and can commit a highly focused 15-20 hours per month to it, then please send us the following:

a CV and brief bio
a link to 2 audio clips you have produced
a text of up to 300 words that briefly summarizes:
- your knowledge (or impressions) of organs, organ music and the organ community
- what you think makes an arts podcast successful
- your experience as a producer and as a storyteller
- your technical capacities
- why you want to produce this podcast
- why you will be successful in this role

Please email your application to Elizabeth Shannon at execdirector@rcco.ca no later than July 17, 2020.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Organ Festival Online Starts July 6

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 14:34:46 GMT

Looking for some new high-quality online performances this summer? Organ Festival Canada has taken to the clouds for its four-concert mini-festival this July, with events coming from Victoria and Vancouver.

Each live-streamed concert will be professionally recorded and beautifully filmed to show this great instrument in its best light, from multiple angles. Presentations range from a short premiere by beloved west-coast composer, Denis Bédard (10 minutes), to an hour-long transcription of Holst’s “The Planets.”

The concerts are centred around four universal themes -- Earth, Heavens, Creation, and Navigation -- and feature acclaimed organists Denis Bédard, Donald Hunt, Mark McDonald and David Stratkauskas.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC, Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver, BC and St. John the Divine Anglican Church in Victoria, BC for their assistance in the production of these performances.

Full Program

Monday, July 6, 7:30pm EDT
"Earth": Widor's 5th Symphony
Donald Hunt, organ

Charles-Marie Widor is the grandfather of the Organ Symphony. From the evocative snapshots in this work’s opening theme and variations to the cavernous Toccata which concludes it, this 35-minute work has something for everyone on earth. Presented in partnership with Music at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria.

Tuesday, July 7, 7:30pm EDT
"Navigation": Kim Farris-Manning's MAP; gest
David Stratkauskas, organ

"The fundamental problem of maps is that the earth is a sphere and that paper is flat." A similar quandary exists with musical scores, as with anything that lies on the border of imagination and representation; the danger being that if you write down a lie, it might look like the truth. Kim Farris-Manning explores these questions in her improvisatory soundscape.

Wednesday, July 8, 7:30pm EDT
"Creation": Bédard plays Bédard
Denis Bédard, organ

Join Denis Bédard as he premieres his own composition, Fantasia alla marcia, commissioned by Organ Festival Canada to honour the composer in his 70th birthday year.

Thursday, July 9, 7:30pm EDT
"Heavens": Holst's The Planets
Mark McDonald, organ

Originally composed for a full symphony orchestra between 1914 and 1916, this English composer’s magnum opus has been transcribed for one musician and thousands of pipes by Peter Sykes. Prize-winning organist Mark McDonald gives a performance that is out of this world! Presented in partnership with Music at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria.

Admission is free or by donation.

Click here to access the streams.

Please click here if you would like to make a donation.

Podcast Host Wanted

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:36:36 GMT

Are you fascinated by organs and contemporary organ music?

Are you personable and well-spoken?

Want to host a podcast?

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is seeking a charismatic, informed, musically open-minded and highly professional host for its new FutureStops Podcast, which will explore the 21st century organ experience in all of its dimensions.

The FutureStops Podcast will focus on innovation, collaboration and experimentation in relation to the organ and will aim to reach both existing and new audiences for contemporary organ music.

If you’d like to be considered for this paid part-time position, and can commit a highly focused 10 - 12 hours per month to it, then please send us the following:

a brief (no more than 10 minutes) sample audio interview of someone (music-related but not necessarily organ-related) that gives us a taste of the style and substance you would bring to the role of host
links to your personal and/or professional social media profiles (if available) and a brief description of your familiarity with social media marketing and online community management (optional)
a CV and brief bio
a text of up to 500 words that briefly describes:
your interpretation of the phrase The 21st Century Organ Experience
your range of experience with contemporary music
your knowledge of organs, organ music and the organ community
any professional technical or journalistic experience you have that would equip you to produce the podcast (optional)
why you would like to host this podcast

The successful candidate:

will have a spirit of partnership and will genuinely want to work with Future Stops to deliver an amazing, world-class, audience-first show
understands the craft of storytelling and the role of the interviewer
knows how to listen, is curious, fast on their feet and comfortable going off-script, improvising and challenging guests if needed

* Demonstrated ability or experience working in audio is an asset.

Please email your application to Elizabeth Shannon at execdirector@rcco.ca no later than July 3, 2020.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Royal Canadian College of Organists is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Citations of 2020 Honorary Award Recipients

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:01:52 GMT

Citations of the 2020 Honorary Awards recipients are now available for viewing on the Honorary Awards page, or by clicking here. Congratulations to all of our recipients!

Joint Statement from the Outgoing and Incoming RCCO Presidents

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:12:53 GMT

The troubling events of the last several weeks have highlighted the issues of inequality for Indigenous, Black and other minority groups in Canada. We, at the Royal Canadian College of Organists, stand against systemic racism and all forms of discrimination and are immediately looking at our own organization and its operations to determine what concrete steps we can take to support a just and equal Canadian society.

Rick Morgan and Peter Nikiforuk

Pipe Organist Playing Injuries Survey

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:53:46 GMT

The RCCO has partnered with Sarah Svendsen to assist her in her Doctoral research project to study the impact of organ playing on musculoskeletal health as well as the workplace characteristics experienced by organists through an occupational health lens. Please see below from a message from Sarah.

To the members of the Royal Canadian College of Organists

My name is Sarah Svendsen and I am a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Toronto. My dissertation will involve ground-breaking research examining musculoskeletal injuries experienced by organists of all levels.

In partnership with the RCCO, a survey is being made available to you at this time. ALL organists are encouraged to complete this survey (including those who may not have experienced injury). In accordance with privacy laws, all information is confidential. The online survey program ensures that anonymity is provided at all steps and that I, as researcher, will never see from whom or where the information originates.

The results of this survey have potentially wide-reaching implications, including informing occupational injury prevention practice for student organists, teachers, and places of employment. Along these lines, my immediate intentions for the use of the survey results are to inform organist training programs and to inform churches about organist workplace health and safety in context. Upon completion of my dissertation, the RCCO will provide me with an opportunity for to present my findings to the membership.

Final date to take survey: July 1, 2020

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Sarah Svendsen

To take the survey, please check your inbox for an email from the RCCO sent on June 6 (subject: Pipe Organist Playing Injuries Survey), which contains a link. If you cannot find this email, please let us know by emailing info@rcco.ca and we will resend it.

COVID-19 and Choirs: Helpful Info for College members

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 14:35:42 GMT

To enable RCCO members who work with choirs to remain informed of current research on the impact of COVID-19, the Professional Development committee offers the following online resources which draw upon current scientific research and best practices.

Please note that these external resources are offered for the information of members and are not endorsed by the RCCO.

Singing as a Risk for Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Virus

A Rapid Evidence Report prepared by the Alberta Health Services, COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group.

Singing, the Church and COVID-19

Prepared by Dr Heather Nelson, an American church musician and expert in vocal health. The site provides regular updates and links to many additional studies and resources.

Covid-19 information for choral organisations, choirs and conductors

Extensive resources prepared by the European Choral Association.

Government Financial Relief Programs: Helpful info for members

Tue, 05 May 2020 16:46:51 GMT

This is a challenging time for many professional organists and church musicians. Current restrictions on public gatherings due to the Covid-19 crisis have resulted in cancelled concerts and suspended church services, in turn causing significant financial hardship for many College members.

In response to this unprecedented situation the federal government is providing financial relief in the form of the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) program. To find out if you are eligible and to apply please visit the CERB website at www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html .

A number of provinces currently provide additional financial assistance. To find out more, please visit the websites below, or contact your provincial or territorial ministry of labour.

British Columbia: BC Emergency Benefit for Workers https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports/emergency-benefit-workers

Alberta: Emergency Financial Assistance https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx

Saskatchewan: Support for Workers https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-for-businesses-and-workers/support-for-workers#saskatchewan-support

Manitoba: Support for Individuals https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/index.html#individuals

Ontario: COVID-19 Emergency Assistance https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance

Quebec: Government Assistance Programs COVID-19 https://www.quebec.ca/en/government-assistance-programs-covid19/

Nova Scotia: Worker Emergency Bridge Fund https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/worker-emergency-bridge-fund/

Wash hands. Stay safe, stay well. Keep fingers nimble!

Important Message from the RCCO President

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:42:15 GMT

Dear Colleagues:

I hope you are staying home and remaining healthy and finding many things to do at home which would never get done otherwise! We continue in unprecedented and unsettling times and we realize some members are facing very real professional and financial challenges. Even our ability to do some extra practising has, in many cases, come to an end, as churches lock down completely. I have unfortunately recently heard of the death of one member in Victoria as a result of COVID-19. It brings this crisis very close to home.

The RCCO office is still operating with Elizabeth Shannon and Hayley Raymond working from home and enabling the organization to carry on as much as possible. Peter Nikiforuk is going to offer some resources that support on-line teaching, as many of you are now doing that. We are looking for other resources which we may be able to provide. Our RCCO examinations have been postponed until later in the year.

It is important for the organization to find ways to be supportive of the membership. In response to member’s concerns, and in consultation with our Vice-presidents, Secretary and Executive Director, we are temporarily suspending the membership renewal deadline. If you are able to renew your membership by May 31, that is great and appreciated, but be assured that no current member will be removed from RCCO membership for non-payment of annual dues, until further notice. The one caveat is that if you are renewing a subscription to a publication, that subscription renewal must be received by May 31. Renewing a “subscription only” cannot be done on-line. To renew a subscription please call or email the national office by May 31 for uninterrupted delivery.

We will proceed with our election process as planned. We are obligated to comply with our bylaws and it is important for the organization to fill vacant board positions in order to carry on its operations.

We are all looking forward to our lives returning to normal as soon as possible. In the meantime, make the most of your changed reality and know that the RCCO is concerned for your safety and well-being. Why not call another member this week to check on how they are doing and have a chat? This kind of contact means a lot.

Take care.

Rick Morgan

National President
Royal Canadian College of Organists

2020 Examinations Suspended Until Further Notice

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:51:21 GMT

Due to the present COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Examiners has decided to suspend the current session of RCCO examinations. They will be rescheduled after the pandemic's resolution, hopefully in the fall.

John Goss Scholarship

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 14:36:53 GMT

The application form for the 2020 John Goss Scholarship is now available. Please note that the deadline for receiving applications has been extended to April 30, 2020. New this year is the provision for study under the scholarship may take place either within or outside of Canada. For full details and the application form, click here.

Victoria 2020 Festival and Organ Academy CANCELLED

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 14:35:35 GMT

We regret that due to the ongoing global health crisis Organ Festival Canada - Victoria 2020, as well as the 2020 Summer Organ Academy, have been cancelled. Every day we learn more about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and there is much uncertainty about what the next weeks and months will bring. Recent developments suggest that it will be several months before we are out the other side of this. We were very excited about the Festival and Academy and are deeply disappointed to have to take this action, but after much thoughtful discussion and consultation, we have concluded that it is not viable to proceed.

For those who have already registered for the Festival, or purchased concert tickets, please visit the Organ Festival Canada website at rccovictoria2020.ca for more details and information about obtaining a refund.

Our next Festival and Academy will be held in Hamilton, July, 2021. We hope you will join us then.

These are challenging times but we will get through it together. Stay well, be kind, and take care of each other.

Temporary Closure of National Office

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:33:58 GMT

To safeguard the well-being of our office staff the National Office at 15 Case Goods Lane is closed. The Executive Director and Office Administrator are working remotely, and will respond to email and voice messages. We urge all Centres to follow the recommendations of governments and public health agencies to suspend all meetings and events. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

2020 Salary Table Available

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 13:00:00 GMT

The RCCO's 2020 Table of Recommended Salaries is now available. It can be found on the Table of Recommended Salaries webpage, or directly by following this link.

College Archives Now Online

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:00:00 GMT

The RCCO archival holdings have been successfully transitioned to the Wilfrid Laurier University Archives and the collection is now accessible online. For complete information, please go to The RCCO Story and navigate to Archives in the right-hand column.

Examination Requirements for 2020-22

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:56:31 GMT

New requirements go into effect for the 2020 examination year. Complete details are available on the Exam Requirements page of the website.