Exciting second round of Improvisation Competition puts participants to the test

During a thrilling second round of the International Organ Competition Haarlem in the Joseph Church, the three finalists were selected on Wednesday, July 17, who will enter the battlefield in the Bavo Church on Friday. 

The 5 candidates were given 2 special assignments that did not involve a musical note,  but which did contain a world first. Part of the first assignment was to slowly taste a multi-layered bonbon, releasing different subtle flavors one after the other. No fewer than 14 ingredients provided a spectacular experience that the candidates could use as inspiration when improvising a 'Molto lento e lontano, con gusto'. The praline was specially developed for the competition by Maaike Wijbrandi. 

The poem 'Evening Beach Organ', written 100 years ago, was the second assignment. This poem was the source from which the participants improvised with top violinist Oene van Geel. Even the registrant was employed by a candidate to 'sing' the poem. 

The colorful evening ended with the announcement that Marcel Eliasch, Enno Gröhn and Raphaël Oliver have been admitted to the final. 

This will take place next Friday evening, July 19, at 20.00 p.m. in the Grote or St. Bavokerk in Haarlem.

Tickets: www.orgelfestival.nl