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.

National Competition canceled

​The previously announced 2026 National Competition for Organ Accompaniment has been canceled.

Program on Hook & Hastings renovation

Picture
Monday, Jan. 12, 7 pm: Chapter program at St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill on the restoration of the church’s 1891 Hook & Hastings organ, shown at right, including a demonstration and sharing of favorite organ pieces for MLK Day, Black History Month, and Lent.
The organ, Op. 1487, was fully restored over the past 16 months by David E. Wallace & Co.
The church is at 313 Second St. NE. Parking is available after 5 pm in the church lot (enter via the driveway between the church and the rectory) and after 7 pm in the Senate Parking Lot across the street from the church. Enter through the church's front doors and go up the (rather steep) stairs to the loft. 
​Information on the organ is available here.

Zoom discussion of Cathedral organ project

Monday, Jan. 26, 7 pm: Zoom discussion with Foley-Baker on the National Cathedral’s organ project. Milovan Popovic, the company's voicer and tonal director, will describe the ongoing work. A Zoom link will be sent out as the date approaches. Learn more about the project here.

Upcoming organ events

Picture
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.

Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 pm: Organ and piano capstone recital by music major Michael Gass, St. Mary's Catholic Church, 13715 Notre Dame Pl, Bryantown, MD.

Sunday, Dec. 21, 3:30 pm: Christmas Concert at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 1334 29th St. NW.

Thursday, Dec. 25, 1:30 pm: Christmas Day recital at Washington National Cathedral. No tickets required.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6-7 pm: New Year’s Eve Concert at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church.  $20 suggested donation; students free.  Reception to follow.  Featuring Anne Timpane, organ; Rosa Lamoreaux, voice; Grace McFarlane, piano; Michael Bard, guitar; and more. 4201 Albemarle St. NW.

​Tuesday, Jan. 6, 12:10 pm: Organist John Nothaft and guitarist LeeLee Hunter present works for classical guitar and organ. Arrangements of well-known Celtic melodies by Charles Callahan plus music by Chris DeBlasio, Richard Smoot and Ben Ludlow. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW.

Go to the Calendar tab for more events.