From 14 to 22 September, the 7th International Franz Schmidt Organ Competition saw young organists from all over the world once again converge on Vienna. 25 musicians from 15 countries qualified to participate in this renowned competition. A distinguished jury evaluated the participants through a total of three rounds, which took place at the Church of St. Ursula, the Jesuitenkirche, and the Schottenkirche.

Orgelwettbewerb
©Clemens Kneringer

The prize-winners’ concert and awards ceremony took place on 22 September, with no 1st prize being awarded this year. Pedro Gomes (Portugal) and Martin Kordas (Czech Republic) shared the 2nd prize, while the 3rd prize was awarded to Arjan Veen (Netherlands). 2018 marks the second time that the Franz Schmidt Organ Competition, previously held five times in Kitzbühel (Tirol) to great success, has taken place in Vienna in cooperation with the mdw’s Department of Organ, Organ Research, and Church Music.

Orgelwettbewerb
©Clemens Kneringer
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