International Martini Organ Competition Groningen

In the week from Sunday 28 July to Saturday 3 August, the third edition of the International Martini Organ Competition Groningen (IMOCG) will take place in Groningen. As in the previous edition, the first prize (5,000 euros) is provided by the Prince Claus Conservatoire.

Twelve organists from seven countries have been selected for the competition (including Australia, Italy, and Japan). They will come to Groningen for a competition in three rounds, played on three monumental organs. For the first round, they will also make a trip outside the city of Groningen this time, to the De Mare/Hinsz organ in Loppersum. They will also play on the Schnitger organs in the Akerk and, of course, the Martinikerk.

An international jury of renowned organists (Bernard Foccroulle (Belgium), Monica Melcova (Slovakia), Matthias Havinga (Netherlands), Vincent Thévenaz (Switzerland) and Ville Urponen (Finland) will decide the winner.

Master classes
No students from the Prince Claus Conservatoire are taking part in the competition this time, but they will have the chance to learn in several public master classes. These will be data by the jury members and by Leo van Doeselaar, Erwin Wiersinga and Sietze de Vries. The latter will give a master class in improvisation, in his own Kerkhuis in Niezijl. The masterclasses are open to the public; the teacher's instructions can be followed via a sound system.

For those who still haven't had enough: there are several concerts to attend during IMOCG week, and there is also an organ excursion by coach to three organs in the region. For tickets and information, visit www.imocg.nl.