Tyler Canonico of Baltimore, Md., Wins Big at Regional Organist Competition

Canonico sets Lebanon Valley College music program history

Related Media

Tyler Canonico (left) and Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman (right)

ANNVILLE, PA (08/29/2011)(readMedia)-- One of Lebanon Valley College's most historic academic programs is in various music studies, and students at the Valley have an outstanding record of achievement. This summer, Tyler Canonico of Baltimore, Md., received high honors at the American Guild of Organists Region III Convention.

Canonico, a graduate of Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, won the Quimby/AGO Region III Young Organists Competition – a first in the history of the College's music program. He was selected as the top performer among individuals age 24 and under, after qualifying by winning the chapter level competition.

At the regional level, he played works by Bach, a piece from the romantic period, and a piece from the contemporary period on a Schlueter rebuild of a 1958 Möller organ at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, Pa. In addition to winning a monetary prize, Canonico performed a winner's recital during the Convention and was invited to perform in the Rising Stars recital next summer at the American Guild of Organists National Convention in Nashville.

At LVC, Canonico studies under Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, a renowned organ recitalist, professor of music, and College organist.

"I know I was excited about winning the competition, and when I saw Dr. Moorman-Stahlman's face I knew she was thrilled as well," Canonico said. "The winner's recital (a 45-minute solo performance) was my first time performing in front of so many other organists."

"I have been very pleased with Tyler's growth as an organist," Moorman-Stahlman said. "His passion for the organ and music fuels his desire to achieve a high level of artistry for someone so young. All of the competitors play at a very high level and it is always difficult for the judges to choose a winner - they are all winners at this stage of the game.

Canonico is a member of a youth choir, and was traveling as part of the choir's tour just days before the Quimby competition. He also lends his talent to the community, serving as principal accompanist for the Harrisburg Men's Chorus and director of music and organist at the First United Methodist Church in Palmyra.