You can find all information concerning the competition – including repertoire and prizes – from the menu to the right of this text (if you are using a desktop computer) or at the bottom of this page (if you are using a smaller screen).
Applications are now being received for the 2025 Competitions.
Please check the Timetable, and note that all parts of your application must have been submitted by 31 March 2025.
Please ensure you read the Conditions of Entry. Note that to be eligible for these competitions, you must have been born after 19 July 1992.
There are four stages in the application process as follows:
Stage 1: Create a ‘Cloud’ based folder (Google Drive, One Drive or similar) and generate an associated link, please name this folder {Your name}_IOF2025.
Stage 2: Make Payment. Our payment gateway is the simplest and preferred method. It accepts payment by credit card, debit card or Paypal. If you need to pay by Bank Transfer, Cheque or Money Order, please see clause 4 of the Conditions of Entry.
Stage 3: Complete and submit the online application form (found lower down this page) with your personal details and the link to your ‘Cloud’ folder.
Stage 4: Place your files (music files, pdf’s of supporting documents and jpg of your photograph) in your ‘Cloud’ folder; these do not all need to be available at the time you submit your application, but must be available by the closing date of 31 March 2025.
The required files are:
a) Audio music files for the Pre-selection Round;
b) A statement signed by a professional musician stating that he/she witnessed your performances for the recorded Pre-Selection Round;
c) A Letter of Recommendation from your teacher or other professional musician;
d) A 150 word biography;
e) A ‘head and shoulders’ photograph, colour and high resolution (a jpg of 1Mbyte or more should give the resolution required);
f) document(s) giving any other relevant information about you which is not included in your biography.
If for any reason you have difficulties making your application on-line, please contact the Competitions Secretary: competitions@organfestival.com
If you do not have a suitable ‘Cloud’ filing system on your PC, you may use WeSendit.com to send the files to competitions@organfestival.com
Your audio recordings should be of “CD Quality” and supplied as native WAV files or encoded using FLAC or ALAC (Apple Lossless). Each piece should be a separate file. Ensure that each file is named including the piece and your own name: e.g. Bach_YourName.FLAC
Other documents should be supplied using standard formats, preferably pdf and jpg.
If you are successful in the pre-selection round and selected to compete at St Albans, your name, 150-word biography and the photograph which you supply will be published in the Festival Brochure.
Stage 2: pay the fee
Interpretation Competition £55
Both Competitions (Interpretation and Improvisation) £100
Stage 3: complete the Application Form below.
If you cannot see the form below, you can view it as a separate webpage instead.
You will receive an automatic acknowledgement after submitting your Application Form.
If you do not receive a personal acknowledgement from the Competitions Secretary within three days, you should contact competitions@organfestival.com or telephone +44 7860 362173.