About the International Organ Festival 

When Peter Hurford founded the International Organ Festival in 1963, it was the first music festival of it's kind in the world - combining organ competitions with concerts of other kinds of music.

From the start, the aim was to provide other musical events with different instruments, some humour and social life - to attract larger audiences and demonstrate the potential of the organ as a musical instrument in its own right. For too long, the organ had been viewed as merely an instrument to accompany church services - the Festival was to prove its possibilities in solo recital, and to encourage the art of improvisation.

Almost 50 years on, the Festival now combines 10 days of music by international musicians, from orchestral to choral, early music to jazz. The organ competitions attract young organists from all over the world, to be heard by organists of international standing.

Ten days of music, in the historic city of St Albans, with its Roman remains, glorious cathedral and other historic buildings, as well as cafes and restaurants aplenty for the visitor - just 20 minutes by train from London, or 10 minutes from the M25.

Founder and President	Dr Peter Hurford OBE
Patrons	Sir Andrew Davis CBE
	John Stocker MBE
	The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans
	The Rt Hon Lord McNally PC
	Dame Glynne Evans, DBE, CMG
	The Countess of Verulam
Chairman	Lesley King
Artistic Director	David Titterington
Administrator	Linda Hamling