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Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition

Posted: Thursday 30th July

The Musical Museum has just played host to this year’s Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition, held on 26th July.  Founded by The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (formerly known as ATOS London) in 1978, numbers of players varies but this year it was a strong field, with seven competing for the coveted title of UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year, and then three players in our YTOY Seniors.  All the players gave a good account of themselves, making for a packed afternoon of music, much appreciated by the good audience.

Compère Tom Horton, himself YTOY winner in 2000, played the mighty Wurlitzer up from the pit and then welcomed the team of judges, headed up by Chairman Mark Laflin, ably assisted by YTOY Senior Winner 2017 Aaron Hawthorne and the Welsh Wizard, Byron Jones BEM.

Once all the entrants had played, we were entertained in grand style by last year’s winner, Oscar Battle, who has really proved himself the most worthy holder of the title with many, many performances throughout the year. It was then on to the results and, following long deliberations, the judges awarded Runner-Up status to James Rickus for his selection from Bugsy, and the title UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year 2026 to Jack Morton for his superb medley from The Ziegfeld Follies, so he now has the honour of wearing the solid silver Chain of Office for the coming year.

The first place in the YTOY Seniors went to Rob Mosley, who played the lively march, Down the Mall, and a lovely rendition of modern ballad Somewhere Out There. As well as a cash prize and souvenir plaque, Rob holds the Nigel Ogden Trophy for this year.

Last but not least in the trophy department is our very special Len Rawle MBE Memorial Trophy, which this year was awarded to Lucy Crouch.

It was an afternoon packed with a lovely wide cross section of music, including tunes from The Producers, The Sound of Music, Mamma Mia, Bob Dylan and many, many more. Do please go along to support these talented young players whenever you have the opportunity.  You will be enthralled by their talent and enthusiasm and, of course, with them honing their skills, our wonderful world of theatre organ music will continue long into the future.

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