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2023 Regional Competitions for Young Organists

Chapter Round Repertoire:

The competitions begin February 2023 at the chapter level where each competitor will perform the following four selections:

  1. A prelude (a toccata or fantasia is acceptable) and fugue or two contrasting movements of a trio sonata by Bach. BWV 582 is acceptable; BWV 553–560 and 572 are not acceptable.
  2. Any one work, composed after 1750, of the competitor’s choice. A movement of a larger work, such as a symphony, is acceptable.
  3. A contemporary piece of the competitor’s choice published after 1950. When choosing this work, competitors should keep in mind the balance of the program.
  4. Hymn—choose one:
    HELMSLEY
    REGENT SQUARE
    REPTON

The competitor will introduce the hymn and lead the audience in the singing of all verses. At least the first stanza of the hymn must be played from the version downloaded from this page. Published, improvised, or transposed arrangements may be used for the introduction and any subsequent verse, if desired.

Regional Round Repertoire:

Competitors will perform five selections:

  1. The same three repertoire selections from the chapter round
  2. An additional work of the competitor’s choice. When choosing this additional work, competitors should keep in mind the balance of the program.
  3. Hymn—choose one:
    EVENTIDE
    MONK’S GATE
    WESTMINSTER ABBEY

The competitor will introduce the hymn and lead the audience in the singing of all verses. At least the first stanza of the hymn must be played from the version downloaded from this page. Published, improvised, or transposed arrangements may be used for the introduction and any subsequent verse, if desired.

Each competitor must ensure that, for each piece performed during the competition, each judge has a perusal score available during the competitors’ performances. The competitors are responsible for obtaining three copies (one for each judge) of each of their selections. Under no circumstances are competitors allowed to distribute (or play from) photocopies unless they have written permission from the publisher; violation of this rule is grounds for disqualification. In the past, some judges have had personal scores for this purpose and a competitor can check with the competition coordinator to see if their judges are bringing their personal scores.  Any identifying marks on perusal scores should be erased or concealed.

Obtaining 3 scores can be a lengthy process. The following list suggests various ways to acquire scores:
• Contact friends, teachers, AGO chapter members, or other colleagues to request permission to borrow their copies.
• Borrow scores through academic library consortia.
• Use Inter-library Loan through local public or academic libraries, realizing that this can take several weeks. The WorldCat database indicates the locations of the nearest libraries that have the score(s) in question in their collections.
• Purchase new copies.
• Request written permission from the copyright holder(s) – typically the publisher – to photocopy the score(s).