Br. Jonathan Ryan, SJC, FAGO, ChM won First Prize and the LeTourneau Prize in the Jordan International Organ Competition in Columbus, GA on September 25. The First Prize includes a cash award of $30,000.00 and concert management with Karen McFarlane Artists in the US and OrganPromotion in Europe. The LeTourneau Prize, given for the best performance of a newly commissioned work required of all finalists entitled Soundscape by Robert Rumbelow for organ and percussion ensemble, brings a cash prize of $5,000.00.
A native of Charlotte, NC, Canon Ryan holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Eastman School of Music where his principal teachers were Todd Wilson and David Higgs respectively. His other First Prize awards include the Arthur Poister (2006), John Rodland (2006), Albert Schweitzer Young Professional Division (2004), and Augustana Arts-Reuter (2003) competitions.
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He has served as Principal Organist at St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church in Chicago, IL since 2006 when he also became a member of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, an active Roman Catholic men’s religious order founded at St. John Cantius Church in 1998 with a mission of solemn liturgy strongly emphasizing the sacred arts and catechesis within the context of parish ministry. Within the Canons, Ryan conducts the musical formation centering on Gregorian chant. As a recitalist, Ryan has concertized with a repertoire spanning the 16th to the 21st centuries. His solo organ recitals have taken him to many important venues including the Cathédrale St-André in Bordeaux, France, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, IL, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, IL, and the Church Music Association of America’s 2009 Summer Colloquium Conference.
For booking information, please contact Karen McFarlane Artists: www.concertorganists.com
October 30, 2009
J. Ryan
