Welcome!Welcome to the web site of the District of Columbia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Our city and its surrounding areas boast a lively pipe organ culture, to which our Chapter members contribute significantly. We invite all who love the pipe organ and its music to explore this website for opportunities to attend AGO-sponsored events as well as concerts in our churches and concert halls. All are welcome, no matter if you're an official AGO member or not. Our mission is to share the glories of the "King of Instruments" with everyone. Perhaps you found this site because you are interested in becoming a member of the Chapter. We would be delighted if you would join our ranks. To join, go to agohq.org. Click on the Membership tab, then Join the Guild, and Join as a chapter member. We also welcome you to become a dual member with us and your home chapter. Thank you for visiting us. We hope that you will join us for one or more of our seasonal events. Chapter announces National Competition2026 National Competition for Organ Accompaniment
May 30, 2026 First Prize $5,000 Second Prize $2,500 Sponsored by: Schoenstein & Company Organ Builders DC Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Northern Virginia Chapter of the AGO St. Paul’s Parish, K Street, Washington, DC Application deadline is Feb. 15, 2026. The final four applicants will be selected and notified by March 1, 2026. Click on the National Competition tab at top for application requirements and details. 
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November workshop on transcriptions
Bryan Anderson will lead a chapter workshop on creating transcriptions at National City Christian Church on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 am.
Bryan is the recent winner of the International Longwood Gardens Organ Competition. https://www.bryananderson.live/about To learn more about NCCC's two pipe organs, visit https://nationalcitycc.org/pipe-organs/ The church is easily accessible by Metro and nearby street parking is available. Or visit https://nationalcitycc.org/directions-parking/ Holiday party Dec. 7Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown will host our chapter holiday party on Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 pm. Free parking is available on nearby side streets. The church is at 3513 N St NW.
Holy Trinity houses a 1925 E.M. Skinner, formerly installed at the Library of Congress, and a 1999 Visser tracker organ. https://trinity.org/worship-and-music/music-ministries/organs-and-instruments/ Food and beverages will be provided. Organ eventsSunday, Nov. 16, 2 pm: Bryan Anderson, 2023 Pierre S. du Pont first prize winner of the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition, plays at Washington National Cathedral. No tickets required. Livestream available.
Friday, Nov. 21, 12:15 pm: English-born composer and organist John Dixon performs his own works, including arrangements of familiar hymn tunes from the UK and the USA. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW. Sunday, Nov. 23, 6 pm: Meet and Greet Reception followed by a 7 pm Hymn Festival with guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Don Saliers, theologian in residence at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. St. John's Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect St., Hagerstown, MD. Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 pm: Carols for Christmas program at the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE. Saturday, Dec. 20, 3 pm: East Washington Heights Baptist Church. 2220 Branch Ave. SE, in partnership with the African Heritage and Cultural Institute, presents "Sounds of the Season: A Holiday Celebration of Black Musical Excellence" featuring organists Storeē Denson and Ronald "Trey" Walton plus baritone Xavier Joseph. Catered reception to follow Thursday, Dec. 25, 1:30 pm: Christmas Day recital at Washington National Cathedral. No tickets required. Go to the Calendar tab for more events. |
