It hardly seems a moment since, more than 25 years back, comparatively carefree and in a buoyant economic climate – we somehow persuaded entrepreneurial spirits to embark in a hot-air balloon. Yet that first ‘Oundle International Organ Week’ was not so ramshackle; from day one, Organists and Festival elements interacted with compelling synergy.

Essentially, it’s still all the same today – and development and growth, nurtured by ever growing support from young organists and partners, have brought us to pole position: a crazy one-week-inone- small-place nucleus has exploded into a multi-faceted arts organisation.

Oundle for Organists has become a unique international brand, with courses throughout the year all over the UK and abroad. By now, some 2,000 young organists have attended ‘Oundle’ courses, whether in Oundle or elsewhere, and have raved about them. The keynote is inspiration – never competition. The student age range is 9-29 – whilst we also now offer an adult’s weekend in October, and a welcome to all our courses for Observers of any age.

Core curriculum has become the preparation of teenagers for university organ scholarships: our Prospective Organ Scholars course typically attracts over 40 aspirants. Recruitment for the summer courses at Oundle and the autumn Advanced Academy in Toulouse is served by Get Ahead! taster days around the UK, and the early-stages weekend Pulling Out The Stops held every Easter: 35 course days during 2009, in Oundle, Oxford, Cheltenham, Newcastle, Guildford and Toulouse.

We know that money is tight this year. Don’t be deterred! We aim to offer great value for money, and where necessary, bursaries and advice, to bridge a funding gap.

‘Oundle’ – it is the name young organists need to know!

James Parsons