Meet the Judges
Diane Meredith Belcher
Diane Meredith Belcher is an internationally renowned organist, choral director, church musician, and distinguished teacher. A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia) and The Eastman School of Music (Rochester), she has performed extensively through the United States as well as abroad since her debut at age fifteen. Particular interests include mentoring young musicians, contemporary classical music, baroque chamber music, and the history and preservation of fine pipe organs.
David Hurd
David Hurd is widely recognized as one of the foremost concert organists, sacred music composers, and church musicians in the United States, as well as for his innovative, engaging, and ever-evolving improvisation abilities. Newly appointed as Organist and Choirmaster of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York, he is the composer of dozens of hymns, choral works, and organ works, and was one of the major musical contributors for the Episcopal Church’s Hymnal 1982. A typical recital program from Dr. Hurd will feature works of Bach or Krebs, his own compositions, and a thrilling improvisation.
Christian Lane
Winner of the 2011 Canadian International Organ Competition and Vice-President of the American Guild of Organists, Christian Lane is one of America’s most accomplished, respected, and versatile young organists. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, where his mentor and teacher was David Higgs. He subsequently completed graduate work with Thomas Murray as a Robert Baker Scholar at Yale University. Passionate about commissioning new music and using the organ in collaborative settings, he frequently performs throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.