NEW NOTES

The Laurenskerk in Rotterdam has long been regarded as one of the most important organ stages in our country and beyond. The unique organ collection is widely used during concerts, church services, official occasions and numerous special events. In addition to tradition, innovation is also sought, both in the use of the organ and in the development of new music.

THE COMPETITION

To give shape to the latter in particular, the Laurenskerk is organising a composition competition. The aim of the competition is to create new compositions that are practically feasible for a wide target group. The competition is open to any maker/composer who works as a professional or is studying to become a professional.

THE ASSIGNMENT

– Compose a solo work for organ.
– The work presents and promotes the organ as an instrument in a convincing and inspiring way.
– The composition is preferably performable on an average organ and in any case suitable for the transept organ of the Laurenskerk.
– The work is playable for beginning organ students and advanced amateur organists.
– The maximum playing time is approximately 10 minutes.
– The composer is free to shape the work as he sees fit.

THE RESULT

A three-member jury will assess the works and the best three will be performed by an organ student during a special concert in the autumn of 2026.

The jury consists of:
– Laurens de Man, organist, pianist and organ teacher
– Lydia Gardiner, composer and musician
– Hayo Boerema, organist, composer, organ teacher

De prizes:
– first price: €750,-
– second price €400,-
–  third price €250,-
– wildcard €100,-

THE PREPARATION

For interested participants, a special workshop by Hayo Boerema will be held on Tuesday evening 17 March in the Laurenskerk around the transept organ in preparation for the competition. If you want to register, please send an email to: cultuur@laurenskerk.nl

DATA

The workshop by Hayo Boerema will be given on Tuesday 17 March 2026
The closing date for the competition is Wednesday 1 July 2026
The results will be announced on Thursday 3 September 2026
The performance and award ceremony will take place during the concert on Friday 30 October 2026

CONTACT

Sign up for the workshop and/or submit a composition: cultuur@laurenskerk.nl 
For further questions: hayoboerema@gmail.com

Link to the Composition Competition

photo’s by Peter van Wijk