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2026' Rules

I. INTRODUCTION

> The competition takes place from September 17–20, 2026, in Béthune, France.
> Open to organists of all nationalities, with no age limit.
> Preselection recordings must be received by June 12, 2026 (midnight).
> Programs must differ for each round, with strict timing and attention to the Saint-Vaast organ’s characteristics.
> Orgues en Béthunois reserves the right to amend the 2026 regulations.

II. ONLINE REGISTRATION

By registering, candidates agree to accept the decisions of the jury. In the event of a dispute, only the French version of the rules will prevail.
Administrative part
> Candidates must register online at www.orguebethune.fr (section “Concours”) by June 12, 2026 (midnight). Application documents include:
- Valid ID
- Signed statement confirming unedited recording
- Biography (in French or English)
- High-resolution photograph (300 DPI)
- Send recordings via WeTransfer to concoursmanchicourt@gmail.com (audio only; anonymous; mp3, m4a, or wav).
> Contact: concoursmanchicourt@gmail.com > Director: Bernard Hédin – bernard_hedin@hotmail.com – Tel: +33 (0)6 64 93 32 20.

B. A digital audio recording

> Candidates must record their preliminary selection programme(s) in mp3, m4a or wave format.
> No names may appear in the recorded files, otherwise they will be disqualified.
> The recording(s) must be sent via WeTransfer to the following address: concoursmanchicourt@gmail.com
> Videos are not accepted in order to maintain anonymity.
> Name the recording files starting with the number 1. Indicate the name and composer of each work for each file.

C. The preliminary selection programme(s) on recordings

> A free programme lasting a maximum of 23 to 27 minutes, including the two works below:
- Dietrich Buxtehude - Praeludium BuxWV 148
- Johann Sebastian Bach - 2nd and 3rd movements of a trio sonata of your choice (BWV 525 to 530).

D. Semi-finals - Friday 18 September, 6:00 p.m.

> A free programme lasting a maximum of 23 to 27 minutes, including:
- Anthoni van Noordt - Psalm 24 (3 verses)
> Candidates may not replay any pieces from the preliminary rounds.

E. Finals - Sunday, 20 September, 1:30 p.m.

> A free programme lasting a maximum of 28 to 32 minutes, including:

- Johann Sebastian Bach - Jesus Christus, unser Heiland BWV 688
> Candidates may not repeat any pieces from the preliminary rounds or semi-finals.

III. ENTRY FEE

A non-refundable registration fee of €60 must be paid by bank transfer before June 12, 2026 (midnight):
IBAN: FR76 1670 6000 2053 9890 3962 462 BIC: AGRIFRPP867
> If payment is made under another name, the candidate’s name must be indicated in the transfer details.

> Bank charges are at the sender’s expense.

IV. FINANCIAL SUPPORT

> Semi-finalists and finalists not receiving a prize will receive €400 (upon presentation of travel/accommodation receipts).
> Accommodation and practical details will be provided to finalists

V. THE JURY

> The jury has been constituted subject to the withdrawal of any member.

VI. DATES AND SELECTIONS

A.Preselections based on recordings (deadline for receipt: midnight on 12 June 2026)

> Preselections based on recordings are anonymous.
> Candidates selected for the finals will be notified by 20 July 2026 at the latest.
> They must confirm their attendance at the competition and provide their programmes for the finals for each organ by returning them to: concoursmanchicourt@gmail.com in accordance with criteria D of Chapter II of the rules.

B. Semi-final Béthune – Friday 18 September – 6pm

C. Finals Béthune – Sunday 20 September – 1.30pm

> The competition secretariat can provide assistants for each candidate. Candidates are allowed to have their own assistants, with the exception of their teacher(s).
> The organ does not have a combination action, which limits the number and complexity of registrations for assistants.

VII. THE ORGAN

> Saint-Vaast Church, Béthune: Grand polyphonic organ in the North German style (Freytag/Tricoteaux, 2001). 3 manuals/pedal, 42 stops, Valotti temperament.

> Full specification: http://orguebethune.fr.
> Practice instruments will be available during the competition.

VIII. BROADCASTING AND RECORDING

> Finals will be projected on a large screen and broadcast on YouTube.
> Performances may be recorded and distributed (online, radio, television) for non-commercial purposes.
> By entering, candidates grant non-exclusive, non-commercial rights for 10 years to the organizer.
> Participants may reuse their recordings freely and may request YouTube video removal three months after the final.