President's Welcome to the IAO website

I want to begin my time as President by paying tribute to Catherine's contribution to the IAO. In spite of ill health, her enormous enthusiasm has been excellent for the Association and we are delighted she is making a full recovery.

I take on the office at a time of change in my life. The loss of an organ loft admittedly but no lack of energy in support of all those who play the instrument professionally or as keen amateur. I am conscious of my roots as an organist which serve me so well in all I am doing as a conductor. The skills organists cultivate are amongst the most useful for any musician. I have no intention of giving up the instrument as it provides me with more pleasure than almost anything else I do. I hope that in my time as President, people will feel able to call me to assist them in their work at a local level.

David Hill
President, 2007–9

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The IAO

The Incorporated Association of Organists was formed in about 1916. It is the umbrella organisation for some 90 affiliated organists' associations and individual members throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Many of the IAO's 6,000 members are organists and/or choir trainers and one of its principal activities is to help with the improvement of standards at all levels.

Of course you do not have to be an organist or choirmaster to belong to the IAO and enjoy the benefits of membership. Anyone who loves the organ and its music, whether a player or not, is welcome to join the IAO. Those who live in the United Kingdom are probably not too far from one of our affiliated associations. These associations may have anything from 25 to more than 200 members but whatever their size, they all have regular programmes of interesting activities, such as recitals, visits, talks, master classes, training and social events.

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Affiliated Associations

Please follow the links for a full list of affiliated associations and a map showing their location. Each association runs its own affairs and elects its own officers and contact details for each association's Secretary are provided.

Individual membership

Those who live outside the UK or those who do not wish to belong to a local association, may join the Central Society of Organists.

Organists' Review

The Incorporated Association of Organists publishes Organists' Review. This quarterly magazine has an enviable reputation for the quality of its content and presentation. Since the beginning of 2005 it has been in full colour, and from August 2005 was redesigned to improve legibility and update its style and layout. News of affiliated association activities are now incorporated into the magazine so that everyone can see what the IAO is all about.

Membership Benefits

Exclusive benefits for members of the IAO include an introduction to your nearest association or one of your choice, entry to IAO events at members' price, and subscription to Organists' Review at a preferential rate for IAO members.

Page Updated: Monday, October 22, 2007 [ ˆ back to top ]