The AGO regional competitions began with the 1992-1994 cycle as an offshoot of the AGO NYACOP. Prior to 1992, younger players were able to enter NYACOP, however, as NYACOP became more demanding, it was apparent that a separate competition was needed for younger players. Since 2002, the AGO/Quimby Regional Competitions for Young Organists have been made possible by a generous grant from Michael Quimby, President, Quimby Pipe Organs, Inc. The RCYO competitions are held in odd-numbered years, in two separate stages. The competitions are sponsored and administered by the seven regions of the American Guild of Organists.
Regional Prizes
First Place – $1,000
Second Place – $500
2023 Regional Competition Winners
In 2023, sixteen separate chapter-level competitions were held between February 11 and April 23, 2023. Each chapter-level competition winner advanced to a regional-level competition, and six regional winners were awarded. On July 3, 2024, the regional winners – now AGO Rising Stars – will perform at First Congregational Church in Berkeley, California in conjunction with the AGO National Convention in San Francisco.
![](https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Owen-Tellinghuisen-Headshot-scaled-e1696954696206-224x300.jpg)
Great Lakes
![](https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Alexander-Leonardi-Headshot-scaled-e1696954734964-226x300.jpg)
Northeast/ Mid-Atlantic
![](https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Trevor-Good-NEW-Headshot-5.9.23-225x300.jpeg)
North Central
![](https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Abigail-Crafton-Headshot-8.8.23-scaled-e1696954980646-222x300.jpg)
Southeast
![](https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Marshall-Joos-Headshot-8.7.23-225x300.jpg)
Southwest
![](https://www.agohq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nathan-Elsbernd-Headshot-e1696955232137-227x300.jpg)
West
2023 RCYO Committee
Vivienne McKay, Director Email
Colin MacKnight Email
Raymond J. Nagem Email