L. Cameron Johnson Memorial Organ Competition – May 20

The L. Cameron Johnson Organ Competition for High School students is coming up on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 11:00 AM here at Storrs Congregational. This year the competition attracted some outstanding candidates. It was difficult to narrow the field to just three finalists. Each competitor plays for a maximum of thirty minutes from an open choice of repertoire that comprises three stylistic periods.  They arrive at least a day prior for three hours of assigned practice time. On the day of the competition, each competitor receives an additional hour at the organ.

The competition is open to the public and your support is encouraged!  You’re welcome to be present for all or part of it.  Once again this year you’ll be invited to vote for your choice for the ‘Audience Prize’.  There’s a reception following in the Parish House (about 1:15PM) while we wait for the judges to make their decision.

Two of our three judges this year began their studies in high school with SCC’s Director of Music Ministry, Dr. Patricia Snyder. Since then, they have both been named to the “20 under 30” class of top organists in the country.  They hold degrees from Oberlin, Yale, and Eastman and have won numerous competitions and awards in addition to their solo performing careers here and abroad. How time flies!

Storrs Congregational Church and the Northeastern Connecticut Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) are co-sponsors of the event.  In addition to the Storrs Congregational Church First Prize of $1,500, a Second Prize of $750 will be awarded jointly by the Hartford and Northeastern CT Chapters AGO, and a Third Prize is sponsored by a representative for Johannus Organs.

The competition is named in memory of L. Cameron Johnson, former organist of Storrs Congregational Church, who helped to guide the church’s 1981 purchase of a major pipe organ built by the renowned C. B. Fisk Organ Company. Angela Salcedo, organist at Storrs from 1989-2000, began the competition to encourage organ study and promote performance for high school students. It is among the first of its type in the country, and provides a unique opportunity for highly talented younger organists. The competition is generously supported by Storrs Congregational Church as part of its outreach of Music Ministry.  Many of our former prizewinners have embarked on successful careers as church and concert musicians.