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Young Organist Competition Royal Canadian College of Organists

Preamble: Several young organists will compete for prize money in this final round of the competition sponsored by the Toronto Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Each competitor will play a program of approximately 30 minutes duration that includes one major work by J.S. Bach, a work from the romantic period (up to 1930) and a contemporary work (composed after 1930).

Background: Founded in 1909 as the Canadian Guild of Organists, the RCCO is Canada’s oldest musicians’ association. Today, the RCCO is a nationwide interdenominational community of professional and amateur organists, church musicians, choral conductors, and others sharing an interest in the organ and church music.

The RCCO assists its members in the development and practice of fine organ and choral performance and sound church musicianship, and works to promote these interests in the wider Canadian public. It also provides members with advice and information in matters pertaining to church employment, both through its National and Centre professional concerns officers and a nationwide network of colleagues.

Members receive the RCCO’s official journal, Organ Canada. The RCCO National Office publishes the bimonthly Organ Canada/Orgue Canada, furnishing a uniquely Canadian perspective on the College’s life and work.

Examinations are held annually for the diplomas of Colleague, Associate, and Fellow; the Professional Diploma in Choral Conducting; and the certificates in Service Playing and Choir Training, all of which test and provide recognition for achievement in organ performance and musical knowledge. Copies of past exam papers and recorded mock practical examinations are available from the National Office.

RCCO conventions offer opportunities to hear and meet world class recitalists and clinicians from Canada and abroad, to participate in workshops on a wide variety of topics, and to discuss subjects of mutual interest and concern with friends and colleagues.

The National Office offers a wide range of resources including audio/video tapes and printed material covering topics such as: service planning; wedding music; choir training; recommended salary levels for church musicians; and the purchase, maintenance, and improvement of all types of organs.

The RCCO works across Canada in support of fine church music and organ playing. If you care about these arts, whatever your background, skill level or religious affiliation, the College has a place for you.