Ten-Year Commitment Will Support National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance and Pipe Organ Encounters for Youth in Southeastern States
NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce a new partnership formed with the Jordan Organ Endowment of Columbus (Ga.) State University. The Jordan Endowment’s commitment of $105,000 over ten years (2013–2022) will support the AGO’s National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP) and Pipe Organ Encounters (POE) for youth in the Southeastern States.“We at the Jordan Organ Endowment are truly excited by this partnership with the AGO in supporting programs that both bring new people to the organ and that nurture those who are already studying to perfect their artistry at the instrument,” declared Joseph Golden, University Organist and Associate Director of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. “The documented impact created by the POE program has captured the attention of the Jordan Organ Endowment; we are so pleased to assist in this most worthy endeavor that brings so many young musicians to a greater understanding and appreciation of the King of Instruments. The long-term relationship that has now begun between the Jordan Organ Endowment and the AGO helps ensure that the POE program and the NYACOP will continue to encourage young organists, both beginners and those more advanced, for many years to come.”“The AGO is grateful to the Jordan Organ Endowment for its generous support of two of our most cherished educational and competition programs,” added AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. “Pipe Organ Encounters and NYACOP have an international appeal; each one attracts some of the brightest young keyboard players and most talented organists of their generation.”Pipe Organ Encounters (POE) is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer organ music institutes for teenage students provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire, opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. Since POEs were begun in 1988, thousands of students have participated in the program. Many have progressed to win top awards in organ competitions and college scholarship programs throughout the U.S. and abroad.performance. Established in 1950 and held biennially, the competition is open to AGO members in good standing between the ages of 22 and 32. The NYACOP serves as a springboard for emerging young organists, allowing them to develop their performance ability by participating in the various demanding stages of this competition. As the premiere organ competition in America, the NYACOP sets the standard for the most talented organists seeking to The National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP) promotes the highest level of organ demonstrate their skill in organ performance. Past winners of the NYACOP include men and women who are some of the most visible organists today: recitalists, recording artists, and those who now hold prominent posts in colleges, conservatories, universities, and religious institutions.Ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, Columbus State University offers nationally distinctive programs in the arts, education, business, nursing and more. CSU provides a creative, deeply personal and relevant college experience. Serving the Southeast while attracting students from around the world, Columbus State thrives on community partnerships to deliver excellence for students who want to achieve personal and professional success in an increasingly global environment. Just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, Columbus State University is part of the University System of Georgia, enrolling more than 8,200 students in a wide variety of degree programs, from online degrees to a doctorate in education. CSU’s Schwob School of Music of has become one of the leading and fastest-growing university-level music programs in the southeast. Working in some of the nation’s most impressive teaching and performance spaces, the accomplished artist faculty of the Schwob School of Music serve an internationally diverse student population. ■
Columbus Georgia Chapter 