St Albans International Organ Festival Partnership

St Albans International Organ Festival and the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition are delighted to announce the establishment of a broad ranging partnership with the aim of creating both competitive and performance opportunities for organists aged under 21 (NIIOC) and up to 33 (IOF)

Established in 1963, by Peter Hurford, the St Albans International Organ Festival has established itself as one of the world’s most influential organ competitions which has helped launch the careers of some of the best known organists of our day. Since its launch in 2011, the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition has quickly gained prominence and recognition for the outstanding work it has done to create a competitive platform for young organists in both Northern Ireland and increasingly internationally.

Richard Yarr, Artistic Director NIIOC
“For years I have admired the work of the St. Alban’s international Organ Festival and enjoyed its quality and ambition. Both of our organisations provide unique opportunities in unique settings and the timing is right to deliver this connected framework. Our partnership will be unique in providing high level competitive forums for both undergraduate and postgraduate organists and for those in the early years of a concert career: a seamless flow which I’m confident will produce results for the musicians at the heart of it.”

David Titterington, Artistic Director IOF
"Richard and I are delighted to announce this partnership as we both recognise a natural synergy between our organisations. By combining forces in this way, we can further enhance and promote the opportunities for young organists with competitive, educational and performance opportunities”