Leuven is preparing for an exceptional celebration of young organ talent with the very first International ECHO Jehan Crinon Organ Competition.
From 8 to 11 July 2026, twelve young organists selected from 38 international applications will compete on two extraordinary instruments: : the historic Goltfuss organ in St John the Baptist Church at the Great Beguinage, and the spectacular Contius organ in St Michael’s Church.
The selected candidates are:
* Stan Van Rompay (Belgium)
* Rina Ishii (Japan)
* Yu Suhyeon (South Korea)
* Andoni Andrada (Spain)
* Pierre Ouihon (France)
* Nadal Roig Serralta (Spain)
* Sebastiano Franz (Italy)
* Kohei Takeoka (Japan)
* Anna Spirina (Russia)
* Johannes Opfermann (Germany)
* Sheika Andrei (Russia)
* Rafael Mirensky (France)
Beyond the competition itself, the programme also includes concerts, masterclasses, a symposium and round-table discussions, transforming Leuven into a vibrant international meeting place for organ culture and artistic exchange.
An outstanding international jury — chaired by Bernard Foccroulle — includes leading figures such as Bine Bryndorf, Juan-Maria Pedrero, Luc Ponet and Aurore Baal.
With this ambitious initiative, Leuven confirms its growing reputation as one of Europe’s most inspiring centres for historical organ culture.
