Johannes Skoog of Sweden Wins 6th Canadian International Organ Competition

CIOC announces the winners of the competition 2024! Over the past weeks, 9 contestants from around the world performed in the semifinals, in venues across Montréal. Four finalists advanced to the final round at the Maison Symphonique de Montréal, and the jury has revealed the winners!

In first place is JOHANNES SKOOG, winning $25,000 CAD, recording and distribution of a CD under the ATMA Classique label, 3-year career management services for North America by Karen McFarlane Artists, and 3-year career development program by the CIOC.

Second place is Amercian HENRY WEBB, winning $15,000 CAD, and in third place is French organist ALMA BETTENCOURT, winning $10,000 CAD. ALMA BETTENCOURT is also the winner of the prestigious Gaston-Litaize Prize, awarded by the jury for the best interpretation of one or two works from Litaize’s “Douze pieces” during the semi-final or final round. MÉLODIE MICHEL is the winner of the Artistic Development Prize.

CIOC extends congratulations to all the candidates for another successful competition!

The excitement continues with the Gala Concert, presented in partnership with Concerts Lachine, featuring performances by the top three prize winners on Sunday, October 27, at 7 p.m., at Saints-Anges de Lachine Church. During the gala concert, the CIOC will also announce the winners of the Richard Bradshaw Audience Prize, the Noël-Spinelli Award for Best Program, and the Raymond-Daveluy Award for Best Interpretation of a Canadian Piece. After the free concert, guests are invited to an exclusive ticketed reception, offering the opportunity to meet the jury and competitors while supporting the CIOC’s mission. Join us in celebrating these outstanding young performers and the timeless beauty of the pipe organ!