The Northern Ireland International Organ Competition, held in Armagh in August, was won by George Herbert (22) of London, assistant director of music designate of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. Second prize went to Theresa Heidler (20) from Germany, who also won the Bach Prize; and third prize was awarded to Jonathan Lee (22), from Australia. The Dame Gillian Weir Medal was won by Philipp Henning (20) from Germany.

In the Intermediate Competition, for players of Grades 6-8 standard, first prize went to Elisabeth Merschdodf (17) from Germany; Georg Schafer (17), also from Germany, took the second prize, and Gavin Phelps (14), head chorister of Bath Abbey in England, took the third prize.

In the Junior Competition, for players of Grades 4-5 standard, Darragh Magee (18) from Newry won first prize, and Ciaran Ward (19), a student at Queen’s University, Belfast, came second.

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