IAO-RCO Organ Competition 2026 announced

The Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO) and the Royal College of Organists (RCO) have announced details of the IAO-RCO Organ Competition 2026 for young organists.

The competition, which ran for the first time in 2018 and now reaches its fifth iteration, is open to organists aged from 18 to 26 years. Under the joint artistic direction of Sarah MacDonald and Mark Lee, RCO Past President and IAO President respectively, it will be held during the 2026 IAO Music Festival in Bristol (26-30 July 2026).

As well as a first prize of £1,200, and prizes of £400 for two other finalists, it will also offer prize winners recital opportunities including St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, Bristol Cathedral, Selwyn College, Cambridge and Great St Mary’s, the University Church, Cambridge. In collaboration with the Austrian National Music Competition ‘MUSIK DER JUGEND, prima la musica’, the UK’s Susi Jeans Memorial Prize for Organists will also be awarded to a worthy competitor in this competition.

The semi-finals will be held in Christ Church, Bristol and All Saints, Clifton on 27 July 2026. From there, three competitors will be selected to go through to the final, which will take place in Bristol Cathedral on 29 July 2026. Hotel accommodation for the competitors will be provided.

The adjudicators will be Sarah MacDonald (RCO President until June 2026, Director of Music at Selwyn College Cambridge, Director of the Girl Choristers at Ely Cathedral, Cambridge University Organist), Mark Lee (IAO President and Director of Music at Bristol Cathedral) and, for the final, Peter King, Past President of the IAO.

Competitors must be no younger than 18 and no older than 26 on 1 July 2026, and the closing date for entries is Friday 27 February 2026 at 13:00.

IAO President Mark Lee said: “This competition continues to play a vital role in encouraging and showcasing the next generation of organists.

“I’m thrilled that we’ll be welcoming such talented young musicians to Bristol for this year’s festival, and I look forward to hearing the energy, creativity and artistry they bring to their performances.”

Sarah MacDonald, RCO President, added: “The IAO–RCO partnership offers an outstanding opportunity for early-career organists to gain recognition and experience at the highest level. This competition celebrates artistry and technical skill, as well as recognising the dedication and hard graft required in each round. It also inspires confidence, establishes connections, and provides an elite platform for emerging artists to perform and thrive.”

For details and application form, visit www.rco.org.uk/events/iao-rco-competition-2026