On Monday, September 23 at 7:30PM award-winning organist and recitalist James Kealey will perform live in Legacy Hall at RiverCenter for Performing Arts Center. The concert is in recognition of Kealey being the First Prize and Audience Prize winner of the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP), which was hosted at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music, and includes the Jordan Prize.
This international competition boasts participants from around the world who travel to Columbus to perform on the world-famous Jordan Organ. The Jordan Organ Competition has become the most prestigious organ competition in the world, with a first prize purse of $30,000 and some of the most renowned jurors in the international organ scene serving throughout the competition.
In addition to competing, Kealey regularly performs for recitals, concertos and master classes across the nation. He also serves as full time Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York and holds a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. Â
Read on to learn more about Kealey's journey to becoming one of the top young organists in the world, and how to see his upcoming concert (for free!) in Columbus, Georgia next week.
Photo by Gerry Szymanski.
Q: What was it like to win the Jordan Prize?
A: To win this prize has been life changing for me. I never dreamed that I would be so fortunate to travel all across the USA as an artist associated with Karen McFarlane Artists Inc., who manage some of the world’s greatest organists of our generation. The Jordan Prize has afforded me the ability to play a variety of instruments in many states to wonderful crowds. I think winning this prize has been my greatest achievement in music so far!
Q: What repertoire are you planning to perform?
A: I’m looking forward to playing the Létourneau organ housed in Legacy Hall, an instrument with a ‘French accent’, one might say! Works by Louis Vierne and Maurice Duruflé, celebrated French composers of the 20th century bookend this recital which includes works by Herbert Howells, Jean Langlais, and some newer compositions by Cecilia McDowall, and David Hurd.
Q: What is special about the Jordan Organ to you?
A: Playing each organ is unique; each instrument (most often) designed for the room; the most bespoke musical instrument one could imagine. In this instrument, I’m looking forward to the instrument teaching me; listening to the various sounds, being the facilitator between the music & instrument. The excellent voicing and character of this organ is well known, and I’m most excited to spend time with it over the weekend!
Q: What would you like for people to know about this upcoming concert?
A: I think this program has appeal for those who have heard 3,000 organ recitals before, or never heard an organ! The program will show off the full capabilities of this fabulous instrument to the best of my ability, as I prepare to play some of the best music in the organ repertoire.Â
If You Go:
What: James Kealey, Organ Guest Artist Recital
When: Monday, September 23, 2024. 7:30 PM
Where: RiverCenter for Legacy Hall
Cost: Free admission.
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