Once again, music brings us together this summer for the International Organ Competition of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune.
Music, which transcends borders and lives in our hearts, unites us all—candidates, jurors, partners, and the public alike. We warmly welcome each of you to experience this great artistic moment in our Abbey.
The organ exalts the prayer of our liturgies, its song fills the vaults of the abbey church as it also fills the hearts of those in contemplation; it brings anyone who soars with it beyond all worldly matters, into the immaterial and the sacred, closer to God.
We are grateful to the organ for contributing to the life and international recognition of our Abbey, especially through this prestigious competition. This year, alongside masterclasses, concerts, and lectures, it will undoubtedly satisfy both music lovers and those who cherish beauty.
The Canton of Valais and the municipality of Saint-Maurice are actively supporting this event by awarding two prizes to laureates, and we sincerely thank them for this support of culture, which we aim to cultivate in our regions.
May the spirit of music inhabit this place and this event, transcending all discord in our world and giving harmony its peaceful power.
+ JEAN SCARCELLA Abbot of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune.
Dear Friends of the Organ and the Abbey
Once again, music brings us together this summer for the International Organ Competition of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune.
Music, which transcends borders and lives in our hearts, unites us all—candidates, jurors, partners, and the public alike. We warmly welcome each of you to experience this great artistic moment in our Abbey.
The organ exalts the prayer of our liturgies, its song fills the vaults of the abbey church as it also fills the hearts of those in contemplation; it brings anyone who soars with it beyond all worldly matters, into the immaterial and the sacred, closer to God.
We are grateful to the organ for contributing to the life and international recognition of our Abbey, especially through this prestigious competition. This year, alongside masterclasses, concerts, and lectures, it will undoubtedly satisfy both music lovers and those who cherish beauty.
The Canton of Valais and the municipality of Saint-Maurice are actively supporting this event by awarding two prizes to laureates, and we sincerely thank them for this support of culture, which we aim to cultivate in our regions.
May the spirit of music inhabit this place and this event, transcending all discord in our world and giving harmony its peaceful power.
General Schedule
FROM AUGUST 1ST TO 10TH, 2025
Arrival of candidates
Friday, August 1st, Saturday, August 2nd
Reception of candidates and first rehearsals.
+ St-Sigismond of St-Maurice
Opening Concert
Sunday, August 3 | 8:30 PM
Thomas Kientz, titular organist of the Kuhn Grand Organ of the Abbey and artistic director of the competition, will perform at the Basilica of the Abbey.
+ Abbey of Saint-Maurice
First Round
Monday, August 4 | 9:00 AM
The first round begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 5:00 PM, with the results being announced at 6:00 PM.
+ St-Sigismond of St-Maurice
Masterclass
Tuesday, August 5 | 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Masterclass by Mathias Maierhofer on the German repertoire of the 18th and 19th centuries at the grand organ Kuhn of the Abbey.
+ Abbey of Saint-Maurice
Voices and Music
Wednesday, August 6 | 2:15 PM
2:15 PM: Visit to the Kuhn grand organ at the abbey, led by Louis Widmer, organ builder at Maison Kuhn. 3:00 PM: Lecture/concert by Pascal Rouet on contemporary music.
+ Abbey of Saint-Maurice
Second Round
Thursday, August 7 | 3:00 PM
The second round starts at 3:00 PM. Results will be announced at 5:30 PM.
+ Cathedral Notre-Dame, Sion
Organ Museum
Friday, August 8 | 2:00 PM
Visit the Organ Museum at Roche at 2:00 PM.
Registration required: info@concoursorgue.ch
+ Organ Museum at Roche
Recital
Friday, August 8 | 8:00 PM
Recital by Stephen Tharp on the Kuhn organ of Bramois, in partnership with the Association for the Preservation of the Organ.
+ Church of Bramois
Walk in Montreux
Saturday, August 9 | 2:00 PM
Walk at Chillon Castle in Montreux, followed by a visit to the historic Kuhn organ at the Church of the Sacred Heart.
+ Chillon Castle
Final
Sunday, August 10 | 15:00
The final will take place at the Basilica at 3:00 PM, with the award ceremony at 6:30 PM, followed by a reception at 7:00 PM.
+ Abbey of Saint-Maurice
Competition & Rounds
Pre-selection
Online form, deadline May 10, 2025. Submit a 15-minute video of music (no edits), including the work J.S. Bach: Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend, trio super BWV 655 (free choice of repertoire).
1st Round
At Saint-Sigismond Church in Saint-Maurice, Monday, August 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Works to be performed by the candidates: – J.S. Bach: Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend, trio super BWV 655. – Louis Vierne: Impromptu from the Pieces de Fantaisie op.54. – Benoît Mernier: An invention of choice from the 5 inventions.
2nd Round
At the Cathedral of Sion on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Works to be performed by the candidates: – A work of choice by Johann Sebastian Bach, among: Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue in C Major BWV 564 / Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor BWV 582 / Toccata and Fugue in F Major BWV 540. – A choral of choice from the 7 chorals of Johann Nikolaus Hanff. – Alexandre-Pierre-François Boëly: Fantasy and Fugue in B-flat Major, opus 18 n6. – Lionel Rogg: Les Tétracordes Insistants.
Final
At the Basilica of Saint-Maurice on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Works to be performed by the candidates: – Georges Athanasiadès: Toccata – César Franck: One of the three chorals – Louis Vierne: Les Angelus for soprano and organ, soprano Magdalena Lukovic – Marcel Dupré: Evocation Opus 37, III Final.