Congratulations to the IAO–RCO Organ Competition 2026 semi-finalists: Oskar Kalnins (UK/Latvia), Anna Kirillova (Switzerland), Elizabeth Lesan (Slovakia), Marcus McDevitt (UK), Conor McGlone (UK), Tingshuo Yang (UK). Semi-finals & final in Bristol, 27 & 29 July https://tinyurl.com/yj2up4cy

Happy #InternationalOrganDay! Today is a chance to celebrate the organ – its music, heritage & the role it plays in our cultural life. Whether you’re playing, listening, sharing a recording, or introducing someone new to the instrument, it all makes the organ more visible, welcoming and relevant.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Play the Organ Year 2025 such a success, with: 149 events | 10,000+ attendees | up to 3,500 first-time players. Read the full story at  https://tinyurl.com/PlayTheOrganYear #PlayTheOrgan #PipeOrgan #OrganMusic

The early bird prices for RCO Summer Course end 31 March – book now to secure your place. To join 'the big course with the personal touch' with our amazing team in London from 3–8 August, visit https://conference.rco.org.uk/

Don't miss out! The closing date for entries to the July 2026 examination session for CRCO, ARCO and FRCO is this Friday, 20 March. Details at https://www.rco.org.uk/accreditation

Very proud of our Music Director Paul Spicer, who was awarded the RCO Medal by @rcorganists.bsky.social at a ceremony at Southwark Cathedral yesterday. Congratulations Paul!

It's your last chance to prepare and submit your entry for the IAO–RCO Organ Competition 2026 - the deadline is THIS FRIDAY, 27 February. For organists aged 18-26, an important springboard for young talent. Details at www.rco.org.uk/events/iao-rco-competition-2026

#InternationalOrganDay returns on Saturday 25 April 2026 – join organists around the world in celebrating the organ and its music. Take part in your own way, details at www.rco.org.uk/internationalorganday

Warm congratulations to our successful FRCO, ARCO and CAM candidates from the Winter (January) 2026 examination session. We look forward to celebrating with them at Southwark Cathedral on 7 March. Read more at https://www.rco.org.uk/news_displaystory.php?newsid=411 #RCOConferment #FRCO #ARCO #CAM

Only 10 days left to watch the finale of The English Organ free on RCO Cinema (until the end of February). Daniel Moult explores England’s 20th-century organ story – and what the future may hold. Watch now: www.rco.org.uk/cinema

From Manila to the UK - Philippine organist Christian Tolentino is progressing through RCO accreditation – from CAM and now towards CRCO – & reflecting on how RCO learning has deepened his musicianship & church music ministry. Read more on iRCO tinyurl.com/2xv9cm33 (member or free guest reg req'd)

Heading to Dorset this week to reacquaint myself with the organ in #Christchurch Priory. I’ll be playing the lunchtime concert at 12:30pm on Thurs 12 Feb 2026. Music by Paul Spicer - this year’s recipient of the @rcorganists.bsky.social medal - Gárdonyi, Elgar, Meyerbeer, Ireland, Harris & Lemare.

Only a fortnight left to secure early bird rates for TOSE Week 2026 – offer ends 28 February. This flagship residential course for ambitious teenage organists (c.16–18, Grade 7+) offers expert tuition, insight and fun. Oxford, 28 July – 2 August www.rco.org.uk/events/TW26

The Young Organ Scholars Trust (YOST) – an RCO Accredited Institution – has scholarships still available for the current academic year (2025–26) - for committed young musicians 13-18yrs who require full or partial support to access organ tuition. Closing 2 March www.yost.org.uk/become-a-scholar

Booking is open for the RCO Summer Course 2026 in London (3–8 August). Inspiring tuition for organists at every stage, plus Organ Explorers (6–8 Aug) for young beginners. Early-bird rates until 31 March, bursaries available. 👉 Book now conference.rco.org.uk

Have you checked out First Stop! yet – the RCO’s new one-stop shop for newcomers to the organ? Whether you’re looking to take your first steps as an organist, teach others about it, or simply explore this extraordinary instrument, visit www.firststoporgan.com today! #musiceducation #organ

There's just one month left to prepare and submit entries for the IAO–RCO Organ Competition for organists aged 18-26. The deadline is Friday 27 February, details at www.rco.org.uk/events/iao-rco-competition-2026

Part II of The English Organ – 'The Victorian Boom' has been available on RCO Cinema throughout January – so there’s just one week left to catch it! Watch now, free of charge, at www.rco.org.uk/cinema

We’re excited announce Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench – a new tutor book for complete beginners – alongside First Stop! our new website for anyone curious about the organ. Download the book, watch the accompanying films & explore at www.firststoporgan.com/playlists/fingers-and-feet

There’s still time to secure an early bird place on the Organ Student Experience (TOSE) Week in Oxford (28 July–2 Aug). This is our flagship course for ambitious organists aged c.16–18 Grade 7+, with expert tuition on outstanding instruments. Details & booking at www.rco.org.uk/events/TW26

Young organists (under 23) are invited to take part in Bach: Life and Death - an Orgelbuechlein Organ Project from Bedford Music Club: includes study day with William Whitehead and mini recitals.See www.bedfordmusicclub.com/organpack and deadline for applying is 30 January. @rcorganists.bsky.social

New on iRCO 🎬 A four-part film series on choral accompaniment at the organ begins with Viennese Masses, using works by Haydn, Mozart & Schubert. Free for RCO members at https://i.rco.org.uk/choral-accompaniment-at-the-organ-viennese-masses (find out more about membership at www.rco.org.uk/join )

🎬 Now streaming on RCO Cinema: The English Organ – Part II: The Victorian Boom. Explore the golden age of English organ culture in this acclaimed documentary by Fugue State Films. Watch free: www.rco.org.uk/cinema

We will award our highest honour, the RCO Medal, to three distinguished musicians in 2026: Prof. Bine Bryndorf, Gabriel Jackson and Paul Spicer. The awards will be presented at Southwark Cathedral on 7 March 👉 https://tinyurl.com/RCOMedal2026

We’ve launched new professional diploma qualifications in choral directing – CChD, AChD and FChD – offering flexible, progressive accreditation for choir directors at every career stage. Read more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/rcochoraldiplomas #musiceducation #choral #organist

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from everyone at the RCO. We wish all our members, supporters and friends a peaceful, restorative & musically rich festive season. A huge thank you for all the contributions to our work this year - not least through #PlayTheOrgan Year!

“...one of the most important organ recordings of all time...” Find out what the fuss is about by adding The English Organ to your Christmas watch list - it's streaming free of charge online on RCO Cinema throughout the Christmas period and into the New Year www.rco.org.uk/cinema

When you’re settling down to enjoy your favourite Christmas films this year, make time for RCO Cinema, which is streaming 'The English Organ' – described by Gramophone as a “dazzling showcase of repertoire and instruments” – throughout December and the New Year. View now, at www.rco.org.uk/cinema

Last chance to see! Don’t miss "Franck: Father of the Organ Symphony - Part 2" – free on RCO Cinema until the end of November. Exploring the genius of César Franck and featuring his greatest organ works performed by David Noël-Hudson www.rco.org.uk/cinema #organ #organmusic #cesarfranck

An exciting new series of classes on historical playing techniques, led by Richard Brasier, begins on 28 February with a class on The French Classical Organ School. Booking is now open for this + English Organ Music to c.1750 (13 June) at 👉 www.rco.org.uk/events #organmusic #organists #rcoacademy

Our latest Working Webinar – Performing under pressure – is now available for RCO members on iRCO. Performance mentor Amy Littlewood explores anxiety, what happens under pressure, and how to deliver your best performances. 👉 https://i.rco.org.uk/working-webinars-performing-under-pressure/

Entries are open for the IAO–RCO Organ Competition 2026, open to organists aged 18–26 years. A significant platform for emerging organists. Details and application at www.rco.org.uk/events/iao-rco-competition-2026

There are still some great #PlayTheOrgan Year events to enjoy, so don’t miss out! Find one near you, bring anyone you think might be interested in this unique experience, and take part 😊 www.rco.org.uk/playevents

Join us on 31 Jan for a day of music making in & around Durham Cathedral. Choose organ playing, choral conducting, or both – with tuition from Daniel Cook + Tom Bell. Observe evensong, play historic organs & be part of an inspiring musical day www.rco.org.uk/events/durham-cathedral-study-day

Take a deep-dive into organ music & history with RCO Journal Vol 17. Exploring publishing in Grand Siècle France, Bach’s pedal parts, anniversaries of Schmidt, Stanford & Parratt, and the meaning of destroyed organs. Free for RCO members, read now: https://i.rco.org.uk #OrganMusic #OrganHistory

We’re delighted to announce Andrew Nethsingha as President Elect of the Royal College of Organists, to succeed Sarah MacDonald in July 2026. Read more at https://bit.ly/4mSJTBF

Next Saturday (18 Oct) #PlayTheOrgan at London Bridge station! 🎹 Drop by the undercroft (10:00–16:00) to meet Henry – a small, friendly organ perfect for first-timers – with guidance from the Southwark & South London Society of Organists. Details 👉 www.rco.org.uk/playevents

A nationwide Christian hymn writing competition with categories for under-18s, and £100 prizes for winners, from All Saints Church, Wellington, in Telford. Entry deadline 31 January 2026. allsaints-wellington.org.uk/uncategorize... @rcorganists.bsky.social #hymns #composition

Celebrating the legacy of much-loved organist John Birch at St George's Hanover Square, London on 17 October, 6pm. Free tickets from Royal Society of Musicians www.rsmgb.org/whats-on/joh... @rcorganists.bsky.social

Try the only Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ in the NE at a #PlayTheOrgan Year event this weekend - New Victoria Centre, Howden le Wear - Sat 4 Oct, 12:00–17:00. Also this Saturday: Halifax Minster & Tunbridge Wells. Details & more events at https://bit.ly/4janwqi

Don’t miss out – the deadline for the Winter (January) 2026 Diploma examination session is just over two weeks away – Friday 17 October. You can find all the scheduling information you need for CRCO, ARCO and FRCO at www.rco.org.uk/examinations_schedules.php

It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of RCO Vice President Dr Martin Neary. Dr Neary (pictured here, left, at our 2024 Conferment) twice held the position of RCO President (1988–90 and 1996–98) and his commitment to the College was indefatigable. Read more https://bit.ly/4n304Nb

RCO Journal Vol 17 is out now at https://i.rco.org.uk Exploring publishing in Grand Siècle France, Bach’s pedal parts, anniversaries of Schmidt, Stanford & Parratt, and the meaning of destroyed organs. Available for purchase, free to RCO members

Build an organist's toolkit for performing under pressure. RCO members can still register for next week’s free & exclusive webinar – Thu 2 Oct, 19:00–20:30 (Zoom) with performance coach & musician Amy Littlewood. Details at www.rco.org.uk/events/performing

We’re heading to the Granite City! On Sat 25 Oct join us & Aberdeen & District Organists' Association. Morning at St Machar’s Cathedral + afternoon at King’s College Chapel. 📅 Early bird discount until 30 Sept, ️ free/discounted for ADOA members www.rco.org.uk/events/scots-aberdeen

RCO members: Explore performance anxiety and performing under pressure in our next exclusive Working Webinar – Thu 2 Oct, 19:00–20:30 (Zoom). With musician & performance coach Amy Littlewood. Free, register via [email protected]. Details at www.rco.org.uk/events/performing

Showing now on RCO Cinema: Messiaen’s Musical Universe! Free Sept & Oct at www.rco.org.uk/cinema By Fugue State Films, featuring Tom Bell & Christopher Dingle. Until 21 Sept: Part 1 + ‘Le Banquet Céleste’, ‘La Nativité du Seigneur’. From 21 Sept: remaining film & later works #Messiaen #OrganMusic

Teenage pianists (Grade 3+) – try the King of Instruments at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in #PlayTheOrgan Year. Mon 27 Oct, 14:00–16:00. Free, places strictly limited. Hosted by Daniel Moult & Simon Williams. Apply [email protected] with age and Grade (3–4 or Grade 5+)

Everyone at Bristol Cathedral @bristolcathedral.bsky.social looking forward to their 1685 Renatus Harris organ returning to action with a rededication at Choral Evensong on 21 Sept. It's just had a £2.2m restoration by Harrison&Harrison and now sounding marvellous! @rcorganists.bsky.social

Ten women organists breaking traditions in the UK! Thank you Alternative Classical @alterclassical.bsky.social and Hannah Fiddy for this great article. @rcorganists.bsky.social www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/features/fem...