KENNETT
SQUARE, PA –Longwood Gardens presents the inaugural International Organ
Competition, where up-and-coming organists will compete on The Longwood
Organ for a $40,000 first prize. This is the largest cash prize of any
organ competition in the world and
applications are being accepted through
November 1st, 2012. Applications are available at
www.longwoodgardens.org/organcompetition. Open to ages 18-30 years old, only the first 100 applicants will be accepted. Applications are available at the same link.
“The Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition is about
recognizing and nurturing the brightest young talents in the organ
world,” said Longwood Gardens Director Paul B. Redman. “We have already
received applications from throughout Europe and North
America and look forward to showcasing these talented musicians at
Longwood Gardens in June,” Redman said.
Preliminary and final rounds are June 18-22, 2013 in the magnificent
ballroom at Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A
distinguished panel of experts will judge the competition including Paul
Jacobs, Chair of the Organ Department at The Juilliard
School; Thomas Murray, Professor of Music at Yale University; Oliver
Condy, Editor of BBC Music Magazine; Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin,
Titular of the Grand Orgue of Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle in Paris;
and Peter Richard Conte, Grand Court Organist
of the renowned Wanamaker Organ and Principal Organist at Longwood
Gardens.
The Longwood Organ is among the world’s largest concert organs, with 146
ranks and 10,010 pipes. After a seven-year restoration completed in
2011, the organ is restored to its original 1930 condition and
incorporates today’s most innovative technology.
The winner receives the $40,000 Pierre S. duPont First Prize, a
contract with Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, and a 2013-14
performance at Longwood. Second place receives the Firmin Swinnen
$15,000 prize and third place receives the Clarence Snyder $5,000
prize. Swinnen and Snyder were past resident organists at Longwood.
About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great gardens, encompassing 1,077
acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian
organ and a 4-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set
forth by founder Pierre S. du Pont to inspire
people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and
the arts. More information at
www.longwoodgardens.org.