Windsor Essex took a massive step toward reclaiming its title as the Organ Capital of Canada on Saturday, April 25th, proving that pipe organs are definitely not just your grandparents’ playlist!

Our region’s International Organ Day was an absolute blast. We opened up the consoles and invited curious minds of all ages to pull out the stops, step on the pedals, and made some noise.

From seasoned masters sharing their lifelong passion to teenagers realizing that playing a pipe organ feels a lot like operating a massive, musical spaceship – it was a day of incredible community connection.

Organists in Action! 📸

An event of this scale does not just happen by pushing a button. It takes an incredible community to bring an operation like this to life.

• To our brave participants: Thank you for stepping up to the console, trying something new, and filling our spaces with music!
• To our dedicated volunteers: You are the backbone of our association. Thank you for your guidance, and for educating the public on how these complex instruments work! 

Shoutout to Our Amazing Host Locations

We extend our deepest gratitude to the local venues that opened their doors and shared their beautiful instruments with the community: Church of the Epiphany, St. Johns Anglican Church, Tecumseh United Church, Académie Ste-Cécile International School, All Saints’ Anglican Church, Corpus Christi Church, Corpus Christi Church and Paulin Memorial Church.

Are you interested in learning how to play the organ or want to attend our next event? Keep an eye on the Windsor Essex RCCO Facebook Page to see how you can get involved!

We are calling on the community to join an unforgettable celebration on Saturday, April 25th, International Organ Day, as we set out to reclaim our title as the Organ Capital of Canada!

Our exciting “Organ Play-in” event will be happening at 8 locations across the region from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

All are invited to drop in, sit at the keyboards of the “King of Instruments,” and play anything you like. Come listen, explore, and experience the organ’s rich, powerful, awe-inspiring sound up close!

This joyful, hands-on event is all about celebrating the organ and its music – and about setting a new record for the most people playing an organ on International Organ Day. Windsor Essex proudly set the very first record in 2023, only to see it claimed by the Victoria RCCO Centre in 2025…It’s time to take it back!

Our ambitious goal is to welcome 200 people from across Windsor and Essex County to experience the thrill of making an organ sing. No formal keyboard experience? No problem! Everyone who participates will also have the opportunity to learn more about the RCCO, including our training programs and scholarships.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25, bring your friends, neighbours, children, and grandchildren – help us put Windsor Essex back on the map as the Organ Capital of Canada!