Welcome to the web site of the District of Columbia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists!
The United States of America's capital city and its surrounding areas, has enjoyed a rich and diverse cultural history since its founding in the late 1700's. Along with the stately monuments, captivating museums and art galleries, a richly varied theater life, and an enviable array of top-flight choral ensembles, Washington D.C. also boasts a lively pipe organ culture, to which our Chapter members and our many churches and cathedrals contribute significantly.
We cordially invite all people who love the pipe organ and its music to explore this website for the many opportunities to attend the many AGO-sponsored events as well as the hundreds of concerts held 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 all who visit this great city!
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. The Membership Form link offers a simple way to proceed. 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.
Composition Competition
The District of Columbia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is pleased to announce a Competition for a Commissioned Composition for Organ Solo to be premiered at the 2019 Pipes Spectacular Concert
ELEGIBILITY: Open to all composers. There are no age restrictions.
VISION & MISSION: Two-fold: To raise awareness of the organ among composers and students of composition; and to sponsor new music.
THEME: It is not mandatory, but you may be inspired by the geography, or historic and cultural legacies of Washington, DC, the nation’s capital.
GUIDELINES & RULES: One or more movements or sections, for organ solo, with an overall length of no more than 15’.
Score must be legibly handwritten or set with notation software. Submissions may not be previously published and the District of Columbia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists reserves the right to publish any or all submissions individually or collected in a forthcoming compilation.
JUDGING & PRIZES: First prize: $5,000 and concert performance by a leading artist. Second prize: $1,000. Third prize: $750. The committee retains the option not to award a first prize if no submissions are considered suitable for inclusion on the 2019 Pipes Spectacular concert.
