Organ
Organ competitions
We have competition classes for amateur pianists of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you are learning your first piece or are an accomplished performer already, we can offer you a platform. Perform to a friendly, supportive audience, receive constructive feedback from an expert in the field, and perhaps even win a medal or the trophy! Winners from selected classes are invited to perform again in the Gala Concert.
At Leicester MusicFest we believe that musicians of all ages can learn a lot from each other: we do not categorise our organ classes by age, but rather by graded difficulty. So, whether you are eight or ninety-eight, you are welcome to enter any class appropriate to your level.
Are you a teacher?
If you are a teacher or school representative intending to enter several students, just create an account with our new dashboard and select 'the new competitor is my student'. Make sure you include Parent/Guardian details for each competitor on your entry. Enter here
The instrument
All of our organ classes take place in the St Cecilia Auditorium at English Martyrs’ School, where we are fortunate to have the use of an excellent modern hybrid instrument by the late Peter Collins. The organ specification is available here, and an experienced page turner/registrand will be on hand on the day to assist and help competitors feel at ease on the instrument. Each competitor will be assigned a 5-10 minute practice slot on the day, during which they can familiarise themselves with the instrument and discuss any requirements with the registrand.
We are very grateful for sponsorship for our organ events, with special thanks to The Royal College of Organists, and Eddie Bestwick.
Workshops & Masterclases
Each year we put on a variety of accessible educational workshops and masterclasses ranging from open workshops for all ages and abilities to more specialised masterclasses for advanced players.
Leicester MusicFest offers a rare opportunity for you to be immersed in lots of different aspects of music-making. Why not learn about something new? Take part in an organ masterclass, pick up mindfulness tips to enhance your practice, or learn more about using the body in a healthy way through Alexander Technique when playing your instrument.
All of our workshops and masterclasses are free for under-19s, and heavily subsidised for adults.
Full details on this year's Workshops & Masterclasses here
Concerts
Come to one of our concerts and be inspired - we have a range of performances throughout the festival, ranging from relaxed daytime demos, to full-scale productions!
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Here at Leicester MusicFest, we like to finish our festival on a high note, being our Gala Concert. The first half sees selected winners of the weekend's competitions take to the stage again; then in the second half we present an inspiring professional performance featuring award-winning stars and emerging young artists.
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All of our concerts are free for under-19s, with heavily subsidised tickets for adults.
Full details of our upcoming concerts are available on the concerts page.
