Sixteen organ virtuosi perform for a jury of nine internationally renowned specialists and compete for major awards.
In addition to the prize money ($30,000 for the winner, $70,000 total[1]) the top prizewinner receives a three-year representation agreement for USA and Canada, a CD recording, recitals and career coaching.
Since 1997, the McGill Summer Organ Academy has welcomed some of the world's foremost organists to teach and perform.
By 2006, a group of music lovers had gathered around John Grew, McGill University Organist, to create the CIOC.
Frédéric Champion acted as the organisation's ambassador during concert tours he has given in North America, Europe and Asia till the next winner was declared in 2011.