Internationally renowned Competitions will take place in July 2027
New commissioned work by celebrated American composer Nico Muhly
Substantially remodelled Tournemire Prize for Improvisation
Interpretation repertoire marks 20 years since the death of Petr Eben
The long-established St Albans International Organ Competitions and interconnected Festival were founded in 1963 by Peter Hurford, who also commissioned the revolutionary Harrison & Harrison organ in St Albans Cathedral. The instrument and venue remain central to the event.
Organists born after 17 July 1994, we invite you to apply now! The deadline for applications is Friday 5 March 2027.
The Interpretation Competition will feature a new commissioned work by Nico Muhly, whose previous works for organ have been acclaimed by players and audiences alike.
The remodelled Tournemire Prize for Improvisation combines different dimensions of improvisational practice: prepared and spontaneous creativity, interaction with historical and contemporary materials, responsiveness to external stimuli and communication with fellow performers. The emphasis lies on artistic personality, imagination and the ability to communicate through music, reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary organ music.
The finals will be presented in St Albans Cathedral, which will also host many of the earlier rounds alongside the 2006 Mander organ in St Peter’s Church, St Albans and the exceptional 18th-century Richard Bridge organ in Christ Church, Spitalfields, London.
The First Prize winner will receive £12,000 together with the Gold Medal and recital engagements. The winner of the Tournemire Prize for Improvisation will receive £8,000, a commemorative bronze medallion and recital engagements. Six further prizes totalling £13,000 will also be awarded.
The competition attracts talented young organists from around the world. It has a reputation as ‘the friendly festival’ and fosters a supportive community amongst all competitors, who are hosted by local families in their own homes.