from the

      artistic director

As the International Organ Festival at St Albans approaches in 2013 the fiftieth anniversary of its founding, we have for 2011 implemented some significant changes to the competitions. These reflect not only how the organist’s profession has evolved in the intervening years but also the interactions within the whole process of ‘live’ musical performance.
The ‘art’ of performance is in essence about communication: it is a unique relationship between the performer and listener in which our visual and auditory senses and emotions are engaged and empowered, not only by the music but also by the potency and persuasiveness of the executants. Competition juries are disadvantaged in this respect when there is the imposition of anonymity whilst competitors are disadvantaged being unable to interact fully with their audience.

Therefore, from 2011 the following revisions to the competition regulations have been made:

• The identity of the competitors will be known to the jury in all rounds taking place in St Albans. The preliminary recorded round remains strictly anonymous;

• The age limit is now 33 for both competitions (born after 16 July 1978);

• In the Interpretation Final, the programme duration is increased to 45 minutes.

If you are applying for the first time to the competitions, please do make contact with our team of international IOF Ambassadors who will be happy to offer advice and guidance. You can be guaranteed a very warm welcome to what is now a large extended family of distinguished prize-winners and competitors, and the very special atmosphere that has made St Albans and the International Organ Festival so famous throughout the world.
We look forward to seeing you here,

David Titterington

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