Ottumwa Competition

First Presbyterian Church, Ottumwa, Iowa, announces results of its 2026 National Undergraduate Organ Competition, held March 22. 

James Jeffrey is the winner of the first prize of $3,500 and the audience prize of $500. He is a student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, in the class of 2026. Second prize of $2,500 was presented to Jeremiah Knudson, a student of Catherine Rodland at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, class of 2026. Third prize of $1,500 was awarded to André Lombardi, a student of Ken Cowan at Rice University, class of 2027. Judges were Diane Meredith Belcher, Gregory Peterson, and Ann Marie Rigler.

The 2027 competition will be held the weekend of April 9–11. Jeffrey Brillhart, winner of the 1976 competition, will open the weekend with a hymn festival. 

For information: ottumwafpc.org/organcompetition.

Ottumwa competition judges and competitors: front row, Ann Marie Rigler, Gregory Peterson, Diane Meredith Belcher; back row, Jeremiah Knudson, James Jeffrey, André Lombardi