2024 Scholarship Competition

The Chapter has established its annual George Mathison Memorial Scholarship Competition in honor of our late member, friend and colleague, George R. Mathison.  The purpose of the competition is to encourage excellence in the performance of organ music and to inspire, educate and nurture future generations of organists.

The 2024 competition will take place on March 9, 2024 at Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, where our competitors will play the church's III/69 Austin organ.  The chapter is now accepting applications, with a deadline of February 9, 2024. 

The competition is open to High School students studying privately and Undergraduate/Graduate students enrolled in Organ studies.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Each applicant must perform all or part of two pieces in contrasting styles, one of which must be a piece by J.S. Bach. 

2. Each applicant must also select a hymn tune and perform an introduction plus three stanzas as you would for a singing congregation. Your chosen final stanza may be preceded by an interlude and may include an alternate harmonization.  The accompaniment may be of the player’s invention or from a published version. The judges will be primarily adjudicating your playing to support the text, as well as your ability to lead an average congregation.  Contestants must supply the score of their chosen hymn and identify which 3 stanzas will be played (and in which order).

AWARDS
First place award $1,500
Second place award $750
Third place award $400

Prizes will be awarded at the judges' discretion and based on performance and repertoire.  Not all awards are guaranteed to be dispensed.  Awards will be made directly to the winners.

Note:  Contestants will have a maximum of 30 minutes to perform their entire program (both pieces of literature and hymn).