Jonathan Oldengarm: Hometown Heroes and Beyond
Experience the majestic power and exquisite nuance of the pipe organ when internationally acclaimed Canadian organist Dr. Jonathan Oldengarm comes to Chalmers United Church in Kingston.
On Friday, September 18, Oldengarm will present Hometown Heroes and Beyond, a recital celebrating Canadian organ music alongside inspiring repertoire from across the centuries. A program highlight will be Ruth Watson Henderson’s brilliant Chromatic Partita, a tour de force of colour, invention and emotional depth by one of Canada’s most respected composers.
Oldengarm is the Minister of Music and Organist at Toronto’s Metropolitan United Church, where he oversees a vibrant musical ministry encompassing multiple choirs, ensembles and concert series. He is also responsible for the landmark 1930 Casavant—the largest pipe organ in Canada—as well as the church’s historic carillon.
Praised for his exceptional musicality and willingness to “colour outside the lines,” Oldengarm brings technical brilliance, thoughtful interpretation and joyful expression to every performance. He is a laureate of several international competitions and holds a doctorate in organ performance from McGill University and the Fellowship of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. His studies also took him to the Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart, Germany.
Formerly Director of Music at Montreal’s Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul and a longtime faculty member at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, Oldengarm maintains an active career as a recitalist, teacher, conductor, chamber musician, arranger and recording artist. His performance collaborations have included orchestras such as the Toronto Symphony.
The musical experience continues on Saturday morning with a special masterclass at Chalmers United Church. Intended for Royal Canadian College of Organists members and scholarship students, the session also welcomes those interested in hearing Oldengarm share his knowledge with emerging organists.
Do not miss this opportunity to experience world-class organ music in Kingston. Hometown Heroes and Beyond promises a stirring celebration of Canadian musical heritage and an adventurous journey filled with beauty, drama and inspiration.
Event Details
Recital: Friday, September 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Masterclass: Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Location: Chalmers United Church, Kingston
Masterclass audience: RCCO members, scholarship students and interested listeners
