The American Guild of Organists recently completed its annual national competition in organ improvisation. Robert Horton, organist and choirmaster at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, is this year's winner.

The competition began in the fall of 2021, with the initial application round. Competitors submitted a recording to the competition committee for review, and five semifinalists were selected to perform live at the American Guild annual convention in Seattle. Horton advanced to the final round, held at Seattle's Epiphany Parish.

Competitors showcased their talents with improvised performances that included a melody by New York composer David Hurd and a poem by Seattle author Shin-Yu Pai. Horton was named the winner on July 6.

Horton joined the staff at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in September 2014. He holds a master's degree in music from Northwestern University and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in organ performance from the University of Kansas.

For more information, contact Horton at 717-397-2734.