THE SUMMER INSTITUTE OF CHURCH MUSIC PRESENTS
The 27th Biennial Osborne Organ Competition
Final Round Competition
Thursday July 9, 2026 at 2:30 pm
All Saints Anglican Church in Whitby
Daily in-person sessions in Whitby, ON
Online everywhere 12-4 pm ET; 9-1 pm PT
In the midst of change is the burning question of why our musical offerings continue to matter, beyond contributing to survival and perhaps numerical growth. In that “why” is an invitation to be empowered in our offerings, hopeful in our leadership, and more firmly grounded in our calling.
SICM 2024 theme presenter Martha Tatarnic, music graduate, author, and Anglican priest, will urge us to see these fraught times as an opportunity to examine what we do and why. Continuing SICM’s unique 50+ year tradition, each day will also include skills development, ministry resources, spiritual nurture, and personal connections.
SICM will announce up to three finalists in its 27th Biennial Osborne Organ Competition.
Dr. Valerie L. Hall
Competition Jury Chair
Following an initial recorded round SICM will announce here up to three finalists who have advanced to compete in the Final Round of its 27th Biennial Osborne Organ Competition.
Offered biennially in even-numbered years since 1976 and renamed in 2005, the Osborne Organ Competition supports the education of young Canadian organists who plan to pursue church music ministry at the organ. Finalists perform an advanced-level Canadian composition and a contrasting advanced work from a differing era, lead the Final Round Competition audience in the singing of a hymn, and collaborate with a cantor in leading a sung acclamation and liturgical improvisation. Up to $2500 in prizes may be awarded by the Final Round Jury.
The Final Round Competition of the 27th Biennial Osborne Organ Competition takes place during the 57th Session of Canada’s Summer Institute of Church Music held July 6-9, 2026 in-person at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Whitby, and online in time zones across Canada. Admission to the Final Round Competition is by freewill donation. For further information on the Competition, SICM, or to register for the Institute, click here.
For more than 50 years, the Summer Institute of Church Music has offered a unique professional development, study, and retreat program for church musicians, worship leaders and choristers. Participants have the opportunity to be mentored, coached and taught by the ‘who’s who’ of Canada’s performers, professors, and thinkers in the church music field. Musicians and leaders of all levels and denominations are warmly welcomed. Since the very beginning, the program has been held at the beautiful campus of Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby, Ontario, as well as churches in the immediate area. Dr. Stanley L. Osborne, the SICM’s founder, was a former Principal at the school, and a dedicated and passionate church musician himself. The SICM is widely recognized for its one of a kind and first class program. Many participants return year after year to rejoice, study, renew their skills, re-energize, play and sing. The SICM is a non-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Sponsorships and donations are gratefully received.
Watch the Final Round Competition!
All Saints’ Anglican Church
300 Dundas St W, Whitby ON L1N 2M5
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Free admission, donations accepted.
