2025–2026 Chapter Event Schedule
Approaching German Romantic Organ Composers from Mendelssohn to RegerSaturday, November 15
9:00 a.m.
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church
17205 County Road 6, PlymouthMartin Schmeding, church musician, concert organist and academic teacher from Leipzig, Germany, will offer a workshop and presentation on the topic of “Approaching German Romantic Organ Composers from Mendelssohn to Reger.”
Registration with TCAGO is encouraged. Please see the Event Registration page.
Note that Schmeding also performs a 3:00 p.m. concert on Sunday, November 9, in the same venue. Check the Organ Calendar for details:
Members Showcase
Tuesday, December 2
7:30 p.m.
The Basilica of St. Mary
MinneapolisCome hear our fabulous local talent at the TCAGO Members Showcase performance of Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur featuring the last public concert on the basilica’s historic Wicks pipe organ prior to its removal for restoration.
Professional Development Day
Saturday, January 31, 2026
9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
301 County Road 19, ExcelsiorEnrich your skills with diverse and engaging topics and enjoy a church-catered lunch. Hosted by Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Details TBA with registration…save the date!
Pipe Organ Discovery Day
Saturday, February 21
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, Saint Paul
and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Saint PaulOur chapter offers a once-a-year, hands-on opportunity to experience the spectacular instruments of our local community. This year, young keyboard players will be given an introduction to the organ at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Saint Paul. Look for registration details here nearer to the date.
Bach’s Birthday Bash
Saturday, March 21
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.A true Bach’s Birthday Bash, five free hour-long concerts of Bach and Bach-related music will honor the 341st Anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach on the very date (March 21, 1685, Old Calendar). Venues and details to be announced. Save the date!
Spring Organ Crawl
Saturday, April 11
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Pipe Organ Heritage Committee (POHC) sponsors an Organ Crawl that will give participants an exceptional look at local historical instruments. Details to be announced here and in your members' email.
TCAGO 2026 Competition in Organ Performance
Saturday morning, April 18
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth
The TCAGO 2026 Competition in Organ Performance, sponsored by the Schubert Club and TCAGO Member Phil Asgian, returns for its biennial contest for young adult organists. Details and schedule to be announced.
The Music of Sigfrid Karg-Elert
Saturday, April 25
9:30 a.m.
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
900 Stillwater Road, MahtomediA workshop on the topic of The Music of Sigfrid Karg-Elert by Southern Methodist University professor Stefan Engels will bring insight to attendees. Free.
The Magical Musical Universe of Sigfrid Karg-Elert
Sunday, April 26
2:30 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
900 Stillwater Road, MahtomediThe Magical Musical Universe of Sigfrid Karg-Elert, a concert by Southern Methodist University professor Stefan Engels devoted to an overview of the spell-binding, kaleidoscopic compositions of an early 20th century compositional genius, will feature the magnificent 108-rank 1927 Casavant-2001 Schantz pipe organ. Co-sponsored by the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Free/donation.
TCAGO Members Showcase
Friday, May 8
7:30 p.m.
The Cathedral of Saint PaulJoin us for another Members Showcase devoted to performance of works, this time from the new publication Gregoriana (edited by Anna Lapwood https://annalapwood.co.uk/project/gregoriana), twelve short works by contemporary women composers based on Gregorian themes, combined with excerpts from the Twelve Chorale-preludes on Gregorian Themes, Op. 8, by Jeanne Demessieux and chant-related pieces by Margaret Sandresky (who we hope will have observed her 105th birthday in April 2026).
Meet Twins' Organist, Sue Nelson, at Target Field
June 2026
(specifics to be announced)Meet and visit with Sue Nelson, our Minnesota Twins organist, at Target Field! Enjoy a fun-filled day at the ball park with your TCAGO colleagues with our all-inclusive tickets, including all-you-can-eat food in the Legends Landing area and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the work of Minnesota’s most popular organist! Pre-registration will be required and light-rail transit is encouraged.
Additionally, Program Committee Chair, Michael Barone, provides this invitation:
Our 2025–2026 season is filled with opportunities for increased awareness, outreach, sociability, and sharing, and you are encouraged to make time in your schedules to participate fully. We have assembled a calendar of activities that engender professional and artist growth, with varied topics that will engage your imaginations and provide you with useful information to stimulate your growth as organists and church musicians while celebrating the incredible history and contemporary vibrancy of the King of Instruments.
Don‘t hold back... get involved with your music and your colleagues in:
- Community Outreach: Organ Crawls, enhanced PR through your church community
- Performance Skills: Member Showcase appearances
- Support of Young Musicians: TCAGO Winner’s Concert, Pipe Organ Discovery Day, master classes,
- TCAGO Young Artist Competition
- Expanded Vision and Awareness: workshops and master classes, guest concert performances
- Collegiality and Comradery: pretty much every event!
We realize that members of our TCAGO chapter are spread over a large geographic area, and sometimes distance (and highway ‘improvements’) can provide an obstacle to participation. But remember that TCAGO membership offers more than merely a subscription to THE AMERICAN ORGANIST. Expand your vision, get to know your colleagues, and come on out to play. Ours is a large chapter and we invite your participation, presence and involvement.
More event links:
Pipedreams Regional Calendar