A Welcome from the Dean
Greetings from Southern Nevada!
On behalf of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, I want to welcome you to our organization and website. On this website, you will find details and schedules for the Paul S. Hesselink Concert Series, one of the best-known and popular venues for performing organists nationally, offered free of charge to the public. There are also links to other sites, chapter history, details regarding local instruments, expanded information, member benefits, and so much more.
We welcome all visitors and encourage you to join us at our concerts and workshops. We also offer social gatherings, workshops, and other activities of interest to organists, choir directors, piano teachers, and musicians in general.
I strongly urge you to learn more, get involved, and participate in all of our music opportunities. As our guests and patrons, feel free to contribute as a donor to our recital series, a scholarship fund for organ students, and other worthy causes. If you are not yet a member, please also consider joining the AGO. Membership will bring added benefits and access to additional activities and information.
Welcome and enjoy!
Dr. William Paul Freeman, Dean
Southern Nevada Chapter
American Guild of Organists
2024-2025 Paul S. Hesselink Concert Series Announced
The music is just beginning…
The Southern Nevada Chapter is proud to announce the 2024-2025 season of the Paul S. Hesselink Organ Concert Series. This coming season will feature four world-class artists.
Dr. Richard Elliott will start the season off at Christ Church Episcopal on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 4 PM. He is the Principal Organist of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. On Saturday, September 21, at 9:30 AM, Dr. Elliott will present a workshop entitled “Ten Secrets of Organ Playing Success.” This workshop is open to organists and church musicians of all abilities and faiths.
The series will then travel down Maryland Parkway to the von Beckerath at Doc Rando Hall on the campus of UNLV, featuring Colin Mark Andrews on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7 PM. A native of Bristol, England, Mr. Andrews is one of the few organists to record the complete works of Olivier Messiaen.
The series will then return to the magnificent Schantz at Christ Church Episcopal for a recital by Amanda Mole on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 4 PM. Ms. Mole is completing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree as a student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music.
We will conclude the series on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 7 PM on the Beckerath at UNLV with James Kealey. Mr. Kealey is the First Prize and Audience Prize winner of the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance.
To view the recital calendar, please click here.
Engaging, supporting and uplifting every organist in Southern Nevada.
Inspiring. Educating. Cultivating a love of music and organ.
Recital Series
The SNC:AGO hosts an annual series of free concerts which attract some of the world’s most talented performing artists, as well as up-and-coming musicians. Our in-person 2023-2024 season will begin this fall.
Workshops & Outreach
The Southern Nevada Chapter hosts a number of events to allow organists and choral directors to improve their skills: church performance, working with choirs, concertizing… plus events for piano students and kids.
Community Concerts & Events
Check out our calendar of local organ & other musical events presented by our members and local churches. We have so many talented musicians & vocalists in the Las Valley. You won’t to miss any of these amazing, musical events.
Networking & Membership
As a member of the chapter, you will come into contact with other church & concert organists, conductors and musicians. It’s a great way to meet peers and to start amazing collaborations. You should join our ranks!
Championing Instruments & Sound.
Members of the Southern Nevada Chapter: AGO have an enduring love of the king of instruments. The organization strives to advocate for not only the preservation of instruments currently in the region, but actively work to promote & encourage the building of new organs throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Raymond Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund
We continue to honor the memory of our long-time Dean through our scholarship fund which helps to support young musicians interested in studying the organ. The scholarships allow local students to attend Pipe Organ Encounters, week long summer camps for the organ, offered by the American Guild of Organists. Applicants may receive financial aid to assist in taking local organ lessons.
