Canada names big-beast winners

Canada’s international organ competition has been won by a Swede, Johannes Skoog.
He flies home with C$25,000, a record release on ATMA Classique and a three-year agencty deal with Karen McFarlane Artists.

Second was Henry Webb (Canada), 3rd Alma Bettencourt (France).

You can watch the final on the CIOC YouTube channel.

Here’s a swift reponse from Richard Gowers, director of music at Handel’#’s church in Hanover Square:
Absolutely furious that my former friend Johannes Skoog, who promised to come last in the Canadian International Organ Competition, betrayed me by winning it – and like a modern Theseus, did so while I was asleep.
His intense focus and commitment, whether as a musician or as a chef of the highest level, is something to behold. A hero in many senses. Just don’t believe him if he says anything self-deprecating.