Competition
International Gottfried Silbermann Organ Competition
The most promising young organists from across the globe perform every two years at the International Gottfried Silbermann Organ Competition. It takes place in honour of Saxony’s great master organ builder and is the only competition to be held exclusively on the original baroque instruments created by Gottfried Silbermann and his apprentices.
The International Gottfried Silbermann Organ Competition was first organised by the Gottfried Silbermann Society in 1993 and since then has been held alongside the music festival in and around Freiberg. Since it was established, it has evolved into one of the most important competitions for historical organs. The jurors – all of them internationally renowned organ experts – can also be heard as artists during the Silbermann Days. Not only does the attractive prize money entice competitors, but the unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills on the historic Silbermann organs from the 18th century is the most appealing of all. For many, the competition is also a career stepping stone, since the prize winners are given the opportunity to perform on Silbermann organs and other famous historical instruments throughout Germany and beyond. Quite often, they end up returning years later to serve as jurors for the Silbermann Days.