Membership

If you wish to become a member of ECHO, you must choose between two categories: Full Membership or Associate Membership. A Full Membership is always granted to a city, whereas an Associate Membership can be granted to, among others, an organ society, a festival, or a church. An Associate Membership serves as the perfect stepping stone towards Full Membership. Should you have any further questions, feel free to email them to Nico Declerck, General Coordinator.

  1. Full Membership
  2. Associate Membership

1. Essential Requirements
1.1. The city must possess significant historical organs and actively promote their use and appreciation through festivals, concerts, and educational programs.  
1.2. The appointment of both an Artistic Director and a City Representative who will engage in ECHO activities and participate in decision-making is required.  
1.3. The city must actively partake in projects planned annually by ECHO and its Artistic Directors.

2. Privileges of Full Membership
2.1. Full membership grants the city the status of an active board member.  
2.2. The city will have the right to be consulted prior to any decisions being finalized.  
2.3. The city shall have voting rights within the organization.  
2.4. The city will occasionally have the privilege to host one of ECHO’s general meetings or meetings of the Artistic Directors.  
2.5. ECHO will provide financial support for the city’s participation in annual live meetings and ECHO-organized activities.

3. Additional Advantages
3.1. The city will gain enhanced status, reputation, publicity, and promotional opportunities via the ECHO website.  
3.2. Membership provides access to a vast European network of professionals and organizations.  
3.3. Cities will have the opportunity to publish music in the prestigious ECHOM-series.  
3.4. Members can benefit from expert advice and assistance with organ restorations.  
3.5. The city’s students may participate in exchange programs within the ECHO network.  
3.6. The city shall extend an invitation to the ECHO Young Organist of the Year to perform a concert on one of its historical organs.
3.7. Members can contribute to ECHO’s monthly newsletter, gaining further exposure and influence.

4. Membership Fees
4.1. The annual membership fee is €4,000.

5. Representation
5.1. The city must appoint one Artistic Director.  
5.2. An official representative of the city must also be designated.

6. Application Process
6.1. An application letter, duly signed by the Mayor or the designated official responsible for cultural affairs, accompanied by a comprehensive dossier detailing the city's historical organs and associated activities, should be submitted to the General Coordinator at info@echo-organs.org.

7. Evaluation of Applications
7.1. Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the Board of Artistic Directors.

1. Essential Requirements
   1.1. The presence of distinguished organs within the city, along with their active use and promotion through festivals, concerts, and educational initiatives.
   1.2. The appointment of an Artistic Director.
   1.3. The organization must be a recognized association, institution, or body for a minimum of three years.

2. Privileges of Associate Membership
   2.1. Elevated status, reputation, and enhanced visibility through the ECHO website.
   2.2. Participation in a vast European network to expand professional connections.
   2.3. The opportunity to publish music within the ECHOM series (at the member’s own expense).
   2.4. Guidance and advice on organ restoration.
   2.5. Opportunities for student exchange programs (at the member’s own expense).
   2.6. The member shall extend an invitation to the ECHO Young Organist of the Year to perform a concert on one of its historical organs.
   2.7. Contribution to the monthly ECHO newsletter.
   2.8. Participation in meetings and activities organized by ECHO (at the member’s own expense).
   2.9. The right to propose initiatives to the board of Artistic Directors.

3. Eligible Entities for Associate Membership
   3.1. Churches or cathedrals.
   3.2. Concert organizations or festivals.
   3.3. Organ associations.
   3.4. Organ academies or competitions.

4. Membership Fees
   4.1. An annual fee of €500.

5. Representation
   5.1. One Associate Artistic Director.

6. Application Process
   6.1. A letter of application, accompanied by a file detailing historical organs and relevant activities, should be submitted to the General Coordinator at info@echo-organs.org.

7. Candidate Evaluation
   7.1. Approval by the Artistic Director(s) from the same country, where applicable.
   7.2. Final decision made by the Board of Artistic Directors, requiring a two-thirds majority.