FOMS Young Artists’ Competition

The French Organ Music Seminar (FOMS) Young Artists’ Competition was held at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York, New York, on October 24. The finalists played “Final” from Symphonie I by Vierne and a short work by Daniel Roth. The competition was open to organists age 29 and under, and judged by Yannick Merlin and Béatrice Piertot.

First Place was awarded to Alex Gilson, associate director of music at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa. He holds a Master of Music degree from Eastman School of Music. Second Prize was awarded to Andrew Segrest, who earned a Master of Music degree from University of North Texas. Third Place winner was Jordan DeRouen, who holds a master’s degree in organ performance from Southern Methodist University. Honorable mention was given to Polina Golubkova, a graduate student at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The competition took place as a part of four-day event, FOMS in New York City, during which participants played instruments, attended organ concerts, and had masterclasses and lectures at several churches. The French organists Beatrice Piertot and Yannick Merlin were present as teachers and performers. Plans are underway for the 2019 French Organ Music Seminar in Europe. For information: www.bfoms.com.

Andrew Segrest, Jordan DeRouen, Polina Golubkova, Alex Gilson, and Christina Harmon (photo credit: Masako Gaskin)