The Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC) begins on October 4, showcasing the talents of Canadian, Chinese and French organists throughout the month.

The Gala Concert, held at the Notre-Dame Basilica on October 16, will be the launch a new CD by last year’s laureate, David Baskeyfield.

Throughout the month, concerts and special events will be held at various venues, including the screening of a documentary profiling romantic composer César Franck and a masterclass and conference with renowned organist Jean Guillou.

Events include:

Gala Concert in homage to Noël Spinelli October 16, 7 pm, Notre-Dame Basilica
A concert by the 3 Laureates of the CIOC (David Baskeyfield – United Kingdom, 2014; Christian Lane – United States, 2011; Frédéric Champion – France, 2008), paying tribute to generous businessman and CIOC co-founder Noël Spinelli. $20 – $150

Jean Guillou in recital presented by Orchestre symphonique de Montréal October 17, 8 pm, Maison symphonique de Montréal
A legendary guest you don’t want to miss! $35 – $65

Paul Eifert

Organ Crawl: Downtown Montréal October 17, starting at 10:30 am
A group of English-speaking visitors begin the tour at Christ Church Cathedral, and continue their way to the Maison symphonique, Church of the Gesù, Saint-James United Church, and St. John the Evangelist, with an explanation and demonstration by the organists in each venue. Lunch may be reserved. $40 – $60

Yuan Shen (China) in recital October 17, 12:15 pm, Church of the Gesù
Making her Canadian debut, Yuan Shen is the first Chinese organist to have earned a Doctor of Organ degree. On the program: Escaich, Bach, Mendelssohn, among others. $10 – $15 (ticket included as part of the Organ Crawl)

Paul Eifert

Journey into the heart of the Baroque : Réjean Poirier (Québec) in recital October 17, 4 pm, St. John the Evangelist One of the first Canadians to have won First Prize at the renowned Bruges Competition in the 1970s, Quebec organist Réjean Poirier highlights the various roots and influences of baroque music. On the program: Scheidemann, Byrd, de Cabezòn, Erbach, among others. $20 – $25 (ticket included as part of the Organ Crawl)

Documentary | Franck : father of the organ symphony October 18, 11 am, McGill Schulich School of Music
Screening of a documentary of the life and works of organist and composer César Franck (1822-1890).Produced by Fugue State Films, awarded Gramophone Magazine’s DVD of the month, April 2015. 10 $

Paul Eifert

Masterclass with Jean Guillou October 18, 6 pm, Maison symphonique de Montréal
Four students will take a public class with the highly renowned organist. For the occasion, spectators will have the opportunity to take their seats on the stage of the Maison symphonique. Presented by the OSM, in collaboration with McGill University

Free. Info and tickets: 514-790-1111   www.ciocm.org