Daily Schedule
Times, venues and presenters subject to change without notice. Check back on this page for publishing of updates or changes.
Optional Prelude #1 Event
Saturday, July 1, 2023
12 NOON – 5:30pm
- OPEN ATTENDANCE (no charge) to the RCCO Organ Competition Semi-Finals
The city of Toronto, not unlike New York City has a wealth of pipe organs rich in history. Our festival cannot come close to featuring them all which is why you will want to join the Prelude day, Saturday July 1st. As the country celebrates Canada Day, we will visit three remarkable venues. First up is the 1993 installation of Schoenstein & Company at Islington United Church. Built in 1949 by stone masons who were brought to Canada from Scotland, the Modern Gothic Design of the church inspired other congregations to imitate its style.
After a moderate drive across the northern central part of the city, we arrive at St. Patrick’s in Markham, Ontario where
Orgues Létourneau Opus 111 (2008) resides. This instrument with its 25 ranks and over 1500 pipes is definitely on the “must-hear” list of instruments not on the main festival schedule.
Finally, driving south again into the heart of the city we come to St. John’s Norway Anglican Church. Here we find a
Geo S. Hutchings, Opus 426 (1896) rebuilt by Stuart Organ Co., Opus 30R (1978) It is a charming instrument in a quaint suburban church.
The buses will arrive back at the Chelsea in plenty of time for a robust Canada day celebration wherever you choose to go.
St. John’s Norway
Geo S Hutchings, Opus 426 (1896) rebuilt by Stuart Organ Co., Opus 30R (1978)
Cara Helpin
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Markham
Orgues Létourneau Opus 111 (2008)
Artist: TBD
Islington United Church
Schoenstein & Company
Artist: TBD
Optional Prelude #2 Event
Sunday, July 2, 2023
8:30am – 2:30pm
CALLING ALL RAILROAD BUFFS! Hop on the bus at the Chelsea hotel for a trip north to Simcoe County. There we will climb aboard the South Simcoe Railway for a one-hour excursion. We are hoping the steam locomotive will be at the head end. A box lunch is included in the registration fee.
You'll travel in restored 1920s coaches over the rails of a century-old branchline that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the vintage locomotive as you travel through the rolling countryside. The round trip from Tottenham to Beeton and back takes just under an hour, highlighted by the Conductor's friendly and informative commentary. Experience travel as our ancestors did, and learn about the history of the railways that made Canada what it is today!
The buses will have you back at the Chelsea hotel in time to enjoy the first afternoon and evening of the main Festival.
Sunday, July 2, 2023 – Main Convention
Healey Willan Tribute – Robert Dixon & choir at St Mary Magdalene
4:00 PM
Carillon Concert by Roy Lee at Metropolitan United Church
Nathan Laube performs at Metropolitan United Church
Monday, July 3, 2023
Lectures/Workshops
James Weaver Prize in Organ Scholarships (dress rehearsal presentations)
- Owen Sammons - Holy Trinity Eaton Centre
- Andrew Johnson - Our Lady of Sorrows
- Elena Baquerizo - Christ Church Deer Park
Lecture/Recital St. Paul’s Basilica – Christa Rakich
College Service - St. Paul's Bloor Street
'A Celebration with Organ and Choir'
Aaron James - Organ
Nathaniel Dett Chorale - Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, Conductor
Chelsea Chen performs at
St. James Anglican
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Lectures/Workshops
Recital - Knox College – Jonathan Oldengarm
Recital - St. Basil’s – The Godfrey Hewitt Memorial Recital — Manuel Piazza
Recital - Holy Family – Aaron James
Recital at ROY THOMSON HALL – Rashaan Allwood
FESTIVAL CELEBRATION at the STEAM WHISTLE BREWERY
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Lectures/Workshops
OHS Biggs Scholars Recital - Rosedale Presbyterian Church
RCCO Convocation and luncheon at St Thomas’s Anglican—Stefani Bedin
Recital - Knox College – Jonathan Oldengarm
RCCO Competition Finals - Lawrence Park Community Church
James Weaver Prize in Organ Scholarship finals
- Andrew Johnson - Our Lady of Sorrows
- Elena Baquerizo - Christ Church Deer Park
Jean-Willy Kunz performs at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Lectures/Workshops
Ken Cowan performs at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
OHS Biggs Scholars Recital – Rosedale Presbyterian Church
Recital - St. Basil’s – J.P. Farahat
Recital - Holy Family – Aaron James
James Weaver Prize in Organ Scholarship finals
- Owen Sammons - Holy Trinity Eaton Centre
Aaron Tan performs at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica — In Memory of Mervin Lowry Costigan
Vierne Messe Solennelle for two organs and choir
- Philip Fillion & David Simon, organists
- Terri Dunn, conductor
CLOSING FESTIVAL RECEPTION
Optional Postlude Event
Friday, July 7, 2023
8:15am – 6:30pm
The Niagara Escarpment is the predominant geological feature shadowing the city of Hamilton, Ontario, on the western shores of Lake Ontario. We travel to this region on Friday to enjoy the sights and sounds of three historic instruments. These include the R.S. Williams & Sons Co (1904) installation at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Dundas, Ontario. We will also hear the Karn-Warren Organ Co (1913/2008) and rebuilt by D. Leslie Smith at St. James
Anglican Church. You might recall the picture in the OHS 2023 Calendar of Wallace & Company Opus 78 (2018) the tracker installation at the Canadian Christian Reformed Church. After listening to these remarkable instruments, and enjoying a sit-down outdoor lunch, we conclude the day with a wine-tasting event at the Ridge Road Estate Winery. The Niagara region is well known for its world class wines. We will enjoy a sampler before returning to Toronto for a free evening.
Calvin Christian Reformed Church
R.S. Williams & Sons Co (1904)
Matthew Coons
St. James Anglican
Karn-Warren Organ Co (1913/2008)
Rebuilt by D. Leslie Smith
Richard Hansen
Canadian Christian Reformed Church
Wallace & Company Opus 78 (2018)
Stephen Boda
