James Kealey


Biography
Hi-Res Photos

First Prize and Audience Prize winner of the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP), James Kealey is available for recitals, concertos and master classes.  He serves as full time Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York and holds a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music.   James was named one of The Diapason magazine’s “20 Under 30″ in 2021.”

2024 AGO NATIONAL CONVENTION – SAN FRANCISCO

“… a deeply satisfying performance of repertoire familiar and foreign.”

“[Kealey] used the organ beautifully, finding its color without pushing it out of character…”

“The audience rose to its feet… giving well-deserved praise to a highlight of the convention”

THE AMERICAN ORGANIST Oct 2024

 

RECORDING REVIEW:  “Rhapsodic” Hook & Hastings/Andover organ of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Buffalo, N.Y. ProOrgano 7305

“… Kealey’s sense of registration is infallible, along with his pacing and expression.”

“The registrations are immaculate, with balanced choruses and limpid solo voices, stunning reed battery, and glorious crescendos and decrescendos. The pacing is exciting, the rhythmic execution spotless. All-important pauses allow the thunder to roll down the nave. This important composition [first mvmt. of Percy Whitlock’s Sonata in C minor], in short, is given a masterful treatment.”

“All told, this is not just a prize recording but also a big step in an impressive career. The choice of repertoire and instrument is superb, and the performances are top-notch. Congratulations yet again.”

THE AMERICAN ORGANIST July 2024


Photo by Gerry Szymanski