We celebrate the impressive achievements of Royal Conservatoire students during the final of the Duyschot Organ Competition. The competition took place on June 12, 2024, in the Westerkerk in Amsterdam.
The Duyschot Organ competition
The Duyschot Organ Competition, organized by the Duyschot Foundation in collaboration with the Grachtenfestival, took place for the third time this year. The competition originated from the long-standing connection between the Westerkerk and the Grachtenfestival. The organ plays a permanent important role within the Grachtenfestival. Many prize winners and finalists of the Princess Christina Concours have already performed in the Westerkerk, accompanied by Jos van der Kooy and Evan Bogerd. The Duyschot Organ Competition has been organized to offer young organists a platform.
The competition is divided into two categories; young people up to 21 years old and conservatoire students. Not only do the winners receive cash prizes, but they can also organize a concert together in the Westerkerk during the Grachtenfestival on August 31.
Results of the final
During the final, the best organists from both categories came together to showcase their talent. From eight students, three Royal Conservatoire students were selected for the final. In the junior category, Michaël Verniers, student at the School for Young Talent, came first with a performance of Pneoo by Daan Manneke. In the conservatoire category, David Strijbis won, with Max Reger's Fantasie en fugue about B.A.C.H. Geurt van Lagen managed to win the second prize and Albèrt Driessen won the third prize. The audience award went to Albèrt Driessen for his performance of Healey Willans Passacaglia.