The Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Regional Competition for Young Organists

The winners of the seven regions’ competitions go on to compete at the national level, ultimately leading to a national winner with concert management. The Cleveland competition has produced several national winners in the past.

The First Place Prize of $1500 will be awarded by the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, OH, the builders of the 100-rank organ at Fairmount, one of the largest in the Cleveland area. This will be part of the celebration of Schantz’s 150th anniversary of organ-building. The Second Place Prize of $750 will be awarded by Kegg Pipe Organ Builders of Hartville, OH.

The competitors are required to play a major work of Bach, as well as a piece composed after 1750 and one composed after 1950. In addition, the audience will be invited to sing along with a hymn accompaniment, one of the primary skills of a church organist. Each of the five players has a maximum of 40 minutes to play, followed by a short interval during which additional audience members may be seated. The three judges, who are noted church musicians and teachers, will not know who the players are and will be seated in the front of the sanctuary where they cannot see the player in the back organ gallery. There is to be no applause. After the judges’ consultation, the winners will be announced by 5:00 PM.

The competitions around the country encourage young organists to gain musical excellence and performance experience. The Fairmount competition will also display the incredible versatility, breadth, and solo colors of the Schantz organ, as well as the beauty of the Fairmount sanctuary. The competition is free of charge. For additional competition information, email Robert Moncrief, Competition Coordinator.