Winner of the First Prize and Audience Prize at the 2022 American Guild of Organists’ National Young Artists Competition in Organ performance, James Kealey is a young artist of great distinction who has appeared in recital in England, the US, and Europe. Kealey serves as the Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, where he directs the Chancel Choir and the Third Church Choristers.
A native of Great Britain, Kealey came to the US having held positions at notable English cathedrals. He received his undergraduate degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, and worked as Senior Organ Scholar to the Chapel Choir there in their series of live broadcasts, international tours, CD recordings, weekly services, and concerts.
In spring 2020, Kealey completed his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Organ Performance and Literature. In 2021 he was honored to be named one of The Diapason’s “20 under 30,” an accolade awarded to the most successful young artists in the field.
In summer 2023, his debut CD Rhapsodic was released on the Pro Organo recording label. Performed on the incredible E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings / Andover organ at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Buffalo, NY) it features works by Whitlock, Delius, Price, Howells, Vierne, Still, and Franck.
Previous highlight engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey, UK; Methuen Memorial Music Hall, MA; St John the Divine, NYC; the Spreckels Organ Pavilion; and recitals for many AGO chapters around the country.
Kealey is a candidate for the Doctor of Music Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY in the studio of Professor David Higgs.
Kealey is represented in North America by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.
