AFNOM is supported by the
Royal College of Organists,
Royal Canadian College of Organists
and the
Incorporated Association of Organists

What is AFNOM?

AFNOM is a ‘shop-window’ for new music; a multi-faceted, international festival whose aim is to attract composers of any age, nationality and stylistic background to submit their compositions to be played, heard, discussed and sold. It has been a great privilege compiling programmes from the large number of scores which have been sent by composers from all around the world. The works featured are examples of the overall variety of contemporary styles available to organists today; they show great awareness of traditions and the capabilities of the instrument, but nevertheless shine a light towards the future and its possibilities. We all have much to learn from each other as musicians. The organ music of other countries, cultures and composers can influence our way of thinking and inspire great creativity and growth. It is my sincerest hope that all of you who visit this website throughout the year will find inspiration as well as enjoyment. Through coming together to exchange music in this way, composers and performers can support each other and encourage development. When connections are made, friendships formed or new works created, we will have succeeded in achieving one of our main objectives, which is to stimulate a growth in the overall awareness and appreciation of good modern organ music.

Martin Stacey, AFNOM Festival Director, writes

"It gives me great pleasure to introduce this year's festival in partnership with the Royal College of Organists. AFNOM and the RCO are working together to encourage artistic relationships between musicians here in the UK and abroad as we share our resources, broaden our scope and offer an increasing number of people worldwide the chance to exchange ideas in an environment which is non-competitive and unbiased. The festival already draws visitors from overseas to take part in our activities, which are broadly educational and centre upon propagating a rich and valuable heritage for the musicians of tomorrow, while breathing life into the music of today. The RCO library is about to become the main UK repository for AFNOM scores; which is fast becoming one of the most diverse archives of contemporary organ music in the world.

One of our objectives is to assist the development of contemporary music by creating cultural links between groups and individuals from different countries, and with the Royal Canadian College of Organists celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the educational theme of this year's events will be that of Canadian organ music. Dr. Maxine Thévenot will be introducing us to the country's rich musical history by presenting a lecture-demonstration, as well as performing a programme at Westminster Abbey devoted to Canadian composers. This concert will also feature the winning work in our composition competition to write a celebratory fanfare for the centenary.

Last year's festival, which took place in November, was yet another extraordinary series of live events in both London and Helsinki. Composers and performers travelled from many far reaches of the world to attend and take part in the exhibition-concerts, recitals, master-classes and public discussions. Once again, we were treated to some of the most exhilarating and inspiring music, made many new acquaintances and some firm new friends!

Aside from the exhibitions, highlights in London included inspiring recitals by Gilles Maurice Leclerc (Canada) at Westminster Cathedral and Jan Lehtola (Finland) at Westminster Abbey, a fascinating discussion with Jennifer Bate on her long working-relationship with Olivier Messiaen, a lecture on contemporary Finnish organ music given by Jan Lehtola, and the first Park Lane Group 'Young Artist's' organ recital given by Tom Corns (Great Britain) at St Dominic's Priory. Events in Helsinki included recitals at St. Paul's church by Harri Viitanen (Finland), Aivars Kalejs (Latvia) Francesco Amaya Martinez (Spain) and Naji Hakim (France) as well as a concert of music selected from previous AFNOM entries given by students of the Sibelius Academy.

It is clear from the rich variety of information contained on these pages that this festival is making a valuable impact worldwide, and that a great many people are finding a place for their work that was not available before. Performers are likewise having opportunities created to be heard by the best audiences.

On this website, you can listen to live recordings made at the previous three years' exhibition-concerts, read the programme notes, information about the composers and performers, and transcripts of the discussions. I hope you enjoy sharing in one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding contemporary music ventures in recent times. Please encourage people to listen to these works online throughout the year, and thanks go to all those who have helped to make AFNOM possible."

Martin Stacey, January 2009

Applications for the next festival in London during 2009 are due by 1st April 2009. Exhibition-concerts will take place in London during the first weekend of August.