News

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.