Monica Berney


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Monica Berney is one of America’s leading young concert organists.  She received first prizes at the 2015 American Guild of Organists Southwest Region Competition for Young Organists, the 2015 Schweitzer Competition in the Young Professionals’ Division, the 2013 William C. Hall Competition, the 2012 L. Cameron Johnson Competition, and the 2011 Oklahoma City University Competition.  Monica currently serves as Director of Music at St. Paul’s Parish, K Street, Washington, D.C.

 

REVIEWS:

“This young lady just blew us all away.  Beginning with a grand orchestral transcription (Dvořák’s Carnival Overture), Miss Czausz conveyed skill, confidence, color, melody, and energy, and captured the audience with the very first notes … [She] presented an impressive and notably mature response to stylistic differences in the repertoire presented, from J. S. Bach, to Horatio Parker, and even a pedal-piano piece by Alkan.  Concluding with a Reger Chorale Fantasia, Op.52, No. 3, Monica Czausz used the expansive organ, the supportive room, and the excited audience to best advantage with that rousing finish, which brought the crowd to its feet …”
The Tracker

“Monica Czausz gave a fabulous performance that displayed artistic mastery far beyond her years.  She effortlessly rendered the rapid figuration of John Ireland’s Capriccio, creating shimmering effects.  Her well-honed rhythmic pacing shaped the sectional forms of Alain’s Second Fantasy and the Final from Hakim’s Hommage à Stravinsky into compelling essays in sound.”
The American Organist

 


Photo by Ted Gorodetzky