The organ world’s brightest young talents are invited to compete in the picturesque setting of our Gardens for the $40,000 Pierre S. du Pont First Prize, the largest cash prize of any organ competition in the world.
The next Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition will take place June 20–24, 2023.
Preliminary rounds will be held on June 20 and 21, with the final round on June 24. Applications for the 2023 Competition are now closed.
From learning about the Longwood Organ to studying organ transcriptions, the competition serves as an educational experience for both competitors and judges. Judges are chosen for their expertise and concentration in organ transcriptions (pieces written for other instruments, but played on the organ), as the inclusion of organ transcriptions in competition repertoire sets this competition apart. Educational opportunities for guests include the Making a Comeback: Organ Transcriptions lecture (free lecture in our Visitor Center Auditorium), during which our esteemed competition judges discuss how transcriptions are making a comeback in the organ world and why they serve as an integral component of the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition.
2013 International Organ Competition Documentary Trailer
The documentary follows the competitors behind-the-scenes as the drama unfolds, leading up to the announcement of the Pierre S. du Pont First Prize winner. This documentary was made possible by the support of our generous sponsors, and the vision of established filmmaker and producer Eric Schultz of PCK Media.
Lead Sponsor: Wilmington Trust
Sponsors: Frederick R. Haas Legacy Fund, Crystal Trust, 1916 Foundation