Welcome

In 2009 the International Organ Festival at St Albans reaches a significant milestone in its illustrious history as it celebrates its twenty-fifth jubilee. From Peter Hurford’s vision, over forty-six years ago, of establishing an international organ festival in the historic city of St Albans with its great Abbey Church, has grown one of the most influential competitions of its kind in the world today. Little did he then realise that its influence and prestige would eventually launch the careers of some of the most distinguished organists of our time.

Such a landmark is also a moment when we can pause to review how the Interpretation and Improvisation competitions have come to develop over time. I am totally committed to ensuring that both competitions reflect how our own profession has evolved over the past four decades, and to that end a few changes to the established pattern of the competitions have been made.

Improvisation is one of the most demanding of the creative arts. At its finest, spontaneity, imagination, originality and intellectual rigour come together to create works of awesome musical integrity. In order to recognise this and establish parity between both competitions, a quarter-final round has been reinstated to the Improvisation competition, and the first prize-winners of both the Interpretation and Improvisation Competitions will now receive a cash prize of £6,000.

In the semi-final rounds, competitors in both competitions will now have the opportunity to perform in ensemble with percussion, and further details can be found within this brochure.

As I write, the cathedral organ is undergoing major restoration and enlargement, and the construction of a new four-manual console is well underway. Do keep in touch with our website to follow the latest news on this exciting project and be ready to download the revised specification.

I close, as I started, by paying tribute to Peter Hurford. Without his passion and vision to establish the International Organ Festival at St Albans, all our musical lives would be the poorer. To recognise this, I am delighted to announce that the Board of Directors has decided to establish a Hurford Prize of £1,000 for the best performance of J.S.Bach in either competition. It is also fitting that two organ builders, Peter Collins and Harrison & Harrison, who are closely associated with Peter Hurford and St Albans, have very generously sponsored this inaugural award.

A very warm welcome awaits you in St Albans and we look forward to sharing our celebrations with you.

David Titterington

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