Fourth Former is finalist in national organ competition

Sarah Ku ’26 is a finalist in the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford, one of the top competitions for young organists in North America, to be held September 23 at Trinity College, Hartford.

The mission of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford is to support and encourage young organists in the earliest stages of their education and careers, and to increase appreciation of organ music in the general public. At the heart of the festival is an annual, national competition for young organists that alternates biennially between high school and young professional (up to age 23) divisions. Competitors earn significant cash prizes to support their education and career endeavors. The festival also regularly presents workshops, lectures, and major performances, frequently in collaboration with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

Sarah is one of just three high school students competing in Saturday’s final.

Sarah’s journey into the world of organ music began at the age of 12, when her music instructor at elementary school introduced her to the instrument during her role as a piano accompanist. After being awarded the Britton Organ Scholarship, she moved to Bristol, UK, to study organ at Clifton College under the tutelage of James Drinkwater. Sarah acquired a strong foundation in the fundamentals, achieving distinction in both organ and piano through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Notably, she also secured second place in the 2020 St. Edmundsbury Cathedral Virtual Organ Competition.

As a student member of the Bristol and District Organists' Association (BDOA), Sarah actively participated in various performances, including a virtual recital, and was honored with financial awards from the Edgar Joyce Fund of the BDOA.

Since arriving on the Circle, Sarah has seamlessly integrated herself into the Groton musical community. She studies organ with Daniel Moriarty and frequently accompanies and contributes her voice to the choir, while also playing a significant role in the activities of the Groton Chamber ensembles as a pianist. 

“Sarah loves to make music, whether this is in ensemble with other student musicians, or accompanying the choir, or in organ competitions,” said Mr. Moriarty. “I think it's inspiring that Sarah puts herself in situations that result in her further growth as a musician and performer.”

Earlier this year, Sarah won second place in the North Carolina Salem College high school competition within the advanced division. This past summer, she attended the Curtis Summer Organ Intensive Program. Beyond her musical interests, she enjoys computer programming, solving logic puzzles and escape rooms, running cross country, and playing tennis. 

The twenty-sixth annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford is open to the public free of charge. Sarah’s competition begins at 10:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed at asofhartford.org.