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
Pedals, Pipes, & Pizza
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10 AM to 1 PM
Christ Church Episcopal
2000 South Maryland Parkway
Reservations are required
2025-2026 Paul S. Hesselink Concert Series Announced
The music is just beginning…
The Southern Nevada Chapter is proud to announce the 2025–2026 season of the Paul S. Hesselink Organ Concert Series. This year’s series will feature four distinguished artists and ensembles, offering a dynamic range of performances that highlight the organ’s versatility as both a classical and collaborative instrument.
The season opens on Friday, September 12, 2025, with a recital by Peter Sykes, an internationally respected performer, pedagogue, and scholar known for his artistry across a wide range of historical styles.
The series continues on Friday, February 20, 2026, with Damin Spritzer, whose performances are praised for their clarity, color, and compelling musical storytelling.
On Friday, March 20, 2026, the series takes a cinematic turn with theatre organist Marvin Faulwell in a program designed to delight both seasoned listeners and first-time concertgoers alike. Experience the organ as you’ve never heard it before—live silent film accompaniment, cinematic soundscapes, and crossover classics, showcasing the instrument’s unique ability to create atmosphere, tell stories, and bring film to life in real time.
The season concludes on Friday, May 29, 2026, with a special collaborative performance by the Arsenal Duo, featuring Nathan Carterette, piano, and Edward Alan Moore, organ, in a program that celebrates the dynamic partnership between keyboard instruments.
All performances this season take place on the 53-rank, 38-stop, three-manual, 3,000-pipe tracker-action Maurine Jackson Smith Memorial Organ, built by Rudolf von Beckerath, located in Dr. Arturo Rando-Grillot Hall on the main campus of UNLV.
Engaging, supporting and uplifting every organist in Southern Nevada.
Inspiring. Educating. Cultivating a love of music and organ.
Recital Series
The SNCAGO 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 2025-2026 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.
