3rd International Organ Competition of Korea Launched with Global Lineup
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Lotte Cultural Foundation and the Korean Organists’ Association announced the 3rd International Organ Competition of Korea (IOCK). Preliminary applications are open from Jan 30 to May 31; semifinals and finals will be held in February 2027 at Lotte Concert Hall and Bucheon Art Center in Seoul. Launched in 2020 as Korea’s first international organ competition, IOCK seeks young organists worldwide and offers winners cash prizes and performance support, including a concerto with the Seoul Metropolitan Symphony and a recital series at Lotte Concert Hall. Two new commissioned works will be required repertoire: an organ solo by Korean composer Lee Ha-neuri and an organ concerto by French Notre-Dame organist Thierry Escaich. The competition will test contestants on two distinct organs—the powerful Austrian Rieger organ at Lotte Concert Hall and the warmer-toned Canadian Casavant organ at Bucheon—evaluating adaptability and musical depth. The final round includes both recital and orchestral concerto; the international jury is chaired by Ben van Oosten and includes Thierry Escaich, Rie Hiroe, Nathan Laube, and Korean organist Park So-hyun. (Rieger: an Austrian organ builder; Casavant: a Canadian organ builder)
