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  • 29 March 2022 11:21 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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

  • 29 March 2022 11:18 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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/.

  • 17 February 2022 10:45 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.


  • 16 February 2022 9:07 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Angela HewittCongratulations 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

  • 11 February 2022 1:37 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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!

  • 27 January 2022 10:16 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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
  • 18 January 2022 11:42 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.

  • 04 January 2022 2:01 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.

  • 14 December 2021 9:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.

  • 06 December 2021 1:07 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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

Address

The Royal Canadian College of Organists

20 St Joseph St

Toronto, ON M4Y 1J9

Contact
Phone: 416.929.6400
Email: info[at]rcco.ca
Adresse

The Royal Canadian College of Organists

20 St Joseph St

Toronto, ON M4Y 1J9


Contact
Téléphone : 416.929.6400
Courriel : info[
à]rcco.ca

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