St Albans International Organ Competitions: Interpretation Final and Announcement of Prize Winners

The biennial St Albans International Organ Competitions celebrate 60 years since their foundation in 1963 by Peter Hurford. Outstanding organists aged 33 and under from across the world will compete for Interpretation and Improvisation prizes.

A presentation of Awards and Prize-Winnners’ Recital on Saturday 15 July at 11am in the Cathedral will bring the 60th anniversary competitions to a conclusion.

The Interpretation Final on the magnificent Harrison & Harrison organ of St Albans Cathedral. Each competitor will perform Thierry Escaich’s Cinq versets sur le “Victimae Paschali” plus free choice work(s).

Winners will be announced of:
● First Prize and Gold Medal Interpretation, sponsored by Williams Church Music Trust:
£12,000
● Tournemire Prize for Improvisation: £8,000
● Second Prize, sponsored by Amphion Fund: £5,000
● Peter Hurford Bach Prize sponsored by Mrs Elisabeth Wells: £1,000
● Audience Prize, sponsored by Mr Andrei Lussmann: £1,000
● Judith Weir Prize for the best performance of the commissioned work: £1,000
● Douglas May Award, for the best performance of a competition work in either the
Quarter-Final or Semi-Final rounds of either competition: £800

Date and Time | Friday 14 July, 7pm - please ensure you select the correct date from the drop down menu below.

Cost | £15 (unreserved seating), free admission for under 18s, students in full-time education (on production of ID) and for companions.

If you are accompanying a person with a disability or access requirements, or are booking a ticket for someone who is accompanying you, please select the companion ticket at checkout. Only one companion ticket is permitted per transaction.

Competition Season Tickets are available for £150 (all rounds, including Improvisation and Interpretation Finals: £10 per event, a saving of £75)