13/07/2026
🎉 A look back at an unforgettable first edition of the International ECHO Organ Competition “Jehan Crinon”
With a festive final round in the Sint-Michiels Peace Church on Saturday 11 July, the first edition of the International Jehan Crinon Organ Competition came to a wonderful conclusion.
For five days, Leuven became a vibrant meeting place for young international organ talent, inspiring concerts, masterclasses and encounters. From 38 candidates from around the world, twelve young organists were selected to participate in the live rounds on two unique instruments: the historic Goltfuss organ (1692) and the Contius organ (2022).
Throughout the competition, the young musicians presented an impressive repertoire ranging from the sixteenth century to contemporary music, demonstrating exceptional technical skill, artistic vision and creativity.
🏆 The laureates
🥇 Andoni Andrada was crowned ECHO Young Organist of the Year 2027. He also won the Audience Prize, generously offered by the City of Leuven.
🥈 Andrei Sheiko received the Second Prize, offered by KU Leuven.
🥉 Johannes Opfermann was awarded the Third Prize, offered by Leuven Orgelstad.
Our warm congratulations also go to Nadal Roig Serralta and Stan van Rompay for their outstanding performances in the final round, and to all finalists for their inspiring musicianship and dedication.
✨ More than a competition
The Jehan Crinon Organ Competition was much more than a contest. Throughout the week, Leuven welcomed young musicians, professionals, researchers and organ lovers from near and far through a rich programme of concerts, masterclasses, a symposium on historical organ research and reconstruction, and a round-table discussion organised by ECHO young on creativity, participation and the future of organ activities.
Above all, it was a week of connection and shared experiences: conversations between musicians and audiences, shared meals, spontaneous encounters, laughter and the many small moments behind the scenes that made this first edition truly special. 💛
🙏 Thank you
Our heartfelt thanks go to all participants for their enthusiasm, exceptional artistic level and wonderful spirit throughout the competition. We are equally grateful to the international jury - Bernard Foccroulle, Luc Ponet, Bine Bryndorf, Juan María Pedrero and Aurore Baal - for their expertise, care and commitment.
We also thank all teachers, volunteers, partners and sponsors who made this first edition possible. A special word of appreciation goes to Leuven Orgelstad for the inspiring collaboration, which we hope will continue to grow into many future projects.
Finally, our sincere thanks go to the enthusiastic audience and to all church communities who opened their doors for this competition — with a special mention for the Sint-Michiels Vredeskerk, which became the heart of the competition throughout the week.
With great gratitude, we look back on a week where music, friendship and international talent came together in Leuven. We look forward to welcoming you again at the next edition! 🎶✨
